On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Supreme Court of Florida suspended attorney Taylor Wayne Casey from the practice of law for eighteen months, nunc pro tunc to September 16, 2025, the date of his release from jail. The court approved the uncontested report of the referee and ordered Casey to comply with all terms and conditions outlined within it.
The case, identified as Supreme Court Case No. SC2025-0635, stemmed from a complaint filed by The Florida Bar against Casey (Florida Bar File No. 2024-00,270(4D)). The referee, Hon. Linda L. Gaustad, was appointed to preside over the proceedings.
According to the referee’s report, Casey was found guilty on May 31, 2024, after a jury trial, of resisting an officer with violence (a third-degree felony), trespass (a first-degree misdemeanor), and disorderly intoxication (a second-degree misdemeanor). He was sentenced on January 17, 2025, to eighteen months’ probation for the felony charge, with adjudication withheld on the misdemeanor charges and unsupervised probation for one day.
The referee recommended that Casey be found guilty of violating Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, specifically 3-4.3 (Misconduct and Minor Misconduct), 3-4.4 (Criminal Misconduct), and 4-8.4(b) (committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on a lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness).
In assessing disciplinary measures, the referee considered standards for imposing lawyer sanctions, noting that suspension is appropriate when a lawyer knowingly engages in criminal conduct that reflects adversely on their fitness to practice. Aggravating factors included a pattern of misconduct and substantial experience in the practice of law. Mitigating factors included the absence of a prior disciplinary record and a cooperative attitude toward the proceedings.
The referee also reviewed relevant case law, both from The Florida Bar and cases presented by the Respondent, before recommending discipline.
In addition to the suspension, the referee recommended that Casey contact Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA, Inc.) for a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse evaluation within thirty days of the Supreme Court’s order. Casey must provide proof of scheduling the evaluation to The Florida Bar’s headquarters and abide by all recommendations made by FLA, Inc., including entering into a rehabilitation contract. Prior to reinstatement, Casey must undergo a comprehensive evaluation by an approved FLA, Inc. provider, comply with all recommendations, and receive a recommendation from FLA, Inc. in support of his reinstatement.
The court also entered a judgment against Casey for $2,376.60 to cover the Bar’s costs, including administrative fees ($1,250.00), court reporters’ fees ($994.75), and investigative costs ($131.85). Interest will accrue at the statutory rate, and Casey will be considered delinquent if payment is not made within thirty days of the judgment becoming final.
According to Avvo, Mr. Casey is a business lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2011.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
