By GARETT VALCOURT
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an Executive Order officially suspending Holmes County Commissioner Brandon Brown Newsom from public office following felony charges filed against him earlier this month.
According to the executive order signed July 28, 2025, Newsom is facing two felony counts stemming from alleged unlawful activity in the bail bond industry. The suspension is effective immediately.
“On July 15, 2025, Brandon Brown Newsom was charged by Information with one count of unlawful bail bond activity in violation of section 648.44(2), Florida Statutes, and one count of aiding or abetting an unlicensed bail bond agent in violation of section 648.30(5), Florida Statutes, each of which constitute a third-degree felony under Florida law,” the Executive Order states.
Governor DeSantis, citing Article IV, Section 7(a) of the Florida Constitution, which grants the Governor authority to suspend county officers charged with a felony, concluded that “it is in the best interests of the residents of Holmes County, and the citizens of the State of Florida, that Brandon Brown Newsom be immediately suspended from the public office which he now holds.”
As outlined in the Executive Order:
- Newsom “is prohibited from performing any official act, duty, or function of public office; from receiving any pay or allowance; and from being entitled to any of the emoluments or privileges of public office during the period of this suspension”.
- The suspension will remain in effect “until a further Executive Order is issued or as otherwise provided by law.”
The felony charges originate from an Information filed by the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. In Count I, the State alleges that Newsom, while holding authority over or control of prisoners, “became a bail bond agent or employee of a bail bond agent or agency and directly or indirectly received benefits from the execution of a bail bond,” a violation of Florida Statute 648.44(2).
Count II alleges that Newsom, though licensed as a bail bond agent, “did aid or abet an unlicensed person to violate Florida Statute 648.30,” a direct violation of 648.30(5).
The Information, signed by Assistant State Attorney Megan Ford, states that the charges are based on facts sworn under oath by material witnesses and were filed “in good faith.”
The suspension leaves a vacancy in the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners for District 2. Newsom’s legal proceedings remain ongoing, and no replacement has yet been announced.
The Governor’s office has not yet issued a statement regarding a possible appointment or special election to fill the now-vacant seat.
Newsom was unable to be reached at this time for comment.
Staff Report 