On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court issued a show cause order to Marsha Sharlene Johnson, a Florida Bar member, compelling her to demonstrate why she should not be held in contempt or face disciplinary measures. The order stems from a Petition for Contempt filed by The Florida Bar, alleging Johnson failed to respond to official bar inquiries related to a grievance filed against her.

The Florida Bar’s petition, filed on December 3, 2025, cites a Grievance Committee Finding of Non-Compliance and Failure to Respond to Official Bar Inquiry and Contempt. According to the Bar, Johnson has not responded to official inquiries, prompting the legal action.

The Bar is seeking Johnson’s suspension from practicing law until she provides a written response to the initial bar inquiry. Additionally, The Florida Bar is requesting administrative costs of $1,250.00 from Johnson, arguing that other members of the Bar should not bear the financial burden of her non-compliance.

The underlying grievance against Johnson originated from a complaint filed by Michael O. Nealy, designated as Florida Bar File No. 2025-30,602(7B). The initial inquiry was sent to Johnson via email on March 18, 2025, requesting a response by April 3, 2025. A second notice was sent on April 4, 2025, via email and certified mail, with a response deadline of April 15, 2025. While the return receipt card for the certified mail was stamped as “RECEIVED” on April 9, 2025, it lacked a signature or printed name.

The Seventh Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “B” scheduled a hearing for May 30, 2025, to address the non-compliance and potential contempt finding. To ensure Johnson had ample opportunity to respond, the hearing was rescheduled to July 25, 2025, with notification sent via email. Despite these notifications, Johnson did not respond to the Bar’s letters or the Request for Issuance of Notice of Non-Compliance and Finding of Contempt.

The Grievance Committee ultimately found Johnson in contempt, determining she failed to show good cause for her lack of response and that her non-compliance was willful. This determination led to The Florida Bar filing the Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause with the Supreme Court.

According to Avvo, Ms. Johnson is a lawyer in St Augustine, Florida. She acquired her law license in Florida in 2012.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.