### Top Florida Health Attorney Resigns Amidst Controversy Over Political Ads

John Wilson, the top attorney for the Florida Department of Health, suddenly resigned last week, citing discomfort with recent decisions made by the state agency. His resignation came just days after the department threatened to prosecute TV stations over political advertisements related to Amendment 4, an abortion rights ballot measure.

In a resignation letter obtained by the Herald/Times, Wilson wrote, "A man is nothing without his conscience," expressing that he could not support the agency's future direction. His departure occurred seven days after he had issued cease-and-desist letters to Florida television stations, warning them of possible criminal prosecution if they did not remove the pro-Amendment 4 ads. The letters are now the subject of a federal lawsuit, which names Wilson and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo as defendants. The lawsuit, filed by Floridians Protecting Freedom, argues that the state's actions violate their First Amendment rights to political speech.

Wilson, who had been with the state for 14 years and served as general counsel since 2022, did not provide further details about his resignation. Through his attorney, he declined to comment. His resignation letter emphasized his belief in the competence of the legal team he left behind, hoping they would offer the necessary zealous representation.

The Florida Department of Health has yet to respond to requests for comment or provide Wilson's resignation letter independently, despite requests made by the Herald/Times. On the day of his resignation, Wilson signed contracts with two law firms to provide legal counsel on the issue of "false political advertisements." These contracts could cost taxpayers up to $1.4 million.

The controversy centers around a political ad featuring a woman named Caroline, who appeals to Floridians to support Amendment 4 by sharing her personal story. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer while pregnant, Caroline explains that she had to end her pregnancy to receive life-prolonging treatment, asserting that Amendment 4 is crucial for protecting women in similar situations. Wilson claimed the ad made "categorically false" statements that could jeopardize women's health, but attorneys for Floridians Protecting Freedom maintain the ad’s accuracy.

Wilson's letter cautioned TV stations that airing the ads could result in charges of second-degree misdemeanors, carrying penalties of up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine. He also labeled the ads a "sanitary nuisance," a term usually related to the improper disposal of waste. At least one TV station ceased airing the ad after receiving Wilson's warning.

Floridians Protecting Freedom seeks judicial intervention, fearing that the state's threats will deter TV stations from airing their ads as the November 5 election approaches. They argue it is "intolerable" to campaign under the threat of legal action, likening it to having a "sword of Damocles" hanging over them.

Adding to the controversy, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel backed the TV stations' rights to air political ads, denouncing the state's actions as dangerous to free speech.