On Friday, November 14, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court issued a show cause order to Charles Edwin Lykes, Jr., a member of the Florida Bar, in response to the Bar’s Amended Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause. The petition requests that Lykes be held in contempt and face a 91-day suspension.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Charles Edwin Lykes, Jr.,” with case number SC2025-1702.
The action stems from Lykes’ alleged failure to comply with a previous court order issued on July 31, 2024, in Florida Supreme Court Case No. SC2024-0739. That order suspended Lykes from practicing law due to his failure to fully respond in writing to official inquiries from the Bar.
As part of the suspension, Lykes was required to notify his clients, opposing counsel, tribunals, and all state, federal, and administrative bars of which he is a member. He was also required to provide a sworn affidavit to The Florida Bar within 30 days of the suspension, listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of the suspension order, pursuant to Rule 3-5.1(h), Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
While Lykes eventually complied with the Bar’s inquiries, leading to his reinstatement on September 9, 2024, the Bar alleges that he failed to submit the required 3-5.1(h) affidavit during the period of his suspension. The Florida Bar notified Lykes of his noncompliance on September 11, 2024.
The Florida Bar argues that Lykes’ noncompliance has left them unaware of whether he properly notified relevant parties of his suspension. They are seeking administrative costs of $1,250.00.
Lykes has until December 1, 2025, to demonstrate why he should not be held in contempt or face further discipline. The Florida Bar has until December 11, 2025, to reply.
According to Avvo, Mr. Lykes is a criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 1980.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
