Industry Insight: Florida Injury Lawyer Suspended Amid Criminal Charges

Background: A Florida Supreme Court Suspension With Practical Consequences

On September 28, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court indefinitely suspended Orlando-area attorney Francisco Javier Gonzalez, 59, acting on a petition from The Florida Bar. According to reporting by Claims Journal, the suspension takes effect at the end of October and gives him 30 days to close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. Mr. Gonzalez led the Gonzalez Law Firm in Heathrow, Florida, and was reported to handle medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto and bankruptcy matters.

The suspension follows a criminal case in Los Angeles County. This article does not address the merits of that case. It focuses on what an attorney's suspension means for the policyholders, claimants and public adjusters (PAs) who may be connected to the lawyer's open files.

What Has Been Reported

The following facts come from news reports and court records cited by Claims Journal:

• The charge: A felony complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleges that on or about December 21, 2021, Mr. Gonzalez spoke with an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman or intermediary. The complaint alleges he discussed a Bitcoin payment and verified the target. The reported allegation is that he sent $10,000 to help his daughter arrange the killing of her ex-boyfriend.
• Arrest and status: He was arrested May 18 and extradited to Los Angeles. He has pleaded not guilty, and a preliminary hearing is set for November 18.
• The defense position: His attorney, Karen Goldstein, told the Orlando Sentinel that prosecutors have presented a biased and often false narrative and that what the prosecution claims happened differs from what actually happened.
• Disciplinary history: The Florida Bar's records reportedly show no prior discipline in more than 30 years of practice.

These are allegations. Mr. Gonzalez is presumed innocent, and the criminal case has not been resolved.

Key Points About the Suspension

Interim Suspension Is Not a Finding of Guilt

The Florida Supreme Court has authority to suspend a lawyer while criminal or disciplinary proceedings are pending, when the Bar petitions for it. This kind of suspension protects the public and the integrity of the legal system while the underlying matters play out. It is not a final disciplinary judgment, and it does not decide the criminal charges.

A Defined Wind-Down Period

The court's order gives a 30-day period before the suspension takes effect. During that period the lawyer is expected to wind down his practice, notify clients and protect their interests. For clients with pending claims, this window is the most important part of the order.

Avoid Confusing Two Lawyers

Claims Journal noted that another Florida attorney with the same name practices real estate and probate law with a different firm in Palm Beach County. That lawyer is not involved. Anyone communicating about this matter should confirm the firm, location and Florida Bar number before drawing conclusions.

Why This Matters to Public Adjusters and Claims Professionals

Many PAs work alongside policyholder attorneys, especially when a claim moves from adjustment into dispute, appraisal or litigation. If a policyholder's lawyer is suspended, several things can happen quickly.

• Deadlines keep running. Suit-filing deadlines, notice requirements, discovery dates and appraisal demands do not pause because counsel is suspended. Florida's statutory timeframes for property claims, including notice and suit limitations, remain in force. Confirm current deadlines under the applicable statutes and policy language.
• Representation may be in flux. A suspended lawyer cannot continue to appear or advise after the effective date. Clients must retain new counsel or proceed on their own, and files must be transferred.
• Communications may stall. Carriers and defense counsel will need updated contact and representation information, and a gap in representation can slow settlement discussions.
• Fee and lien questions arise. Fee agreements, costs advanced and any attorney's fee interest may need to be sorted out between prior and successor counsel, subject to Florida Bar rules and court oversight where litigation is pending.

Practical Takeaways

1. Verify the facts first. Check the Florida Bar's public member profile for a lawyer's current status. Rely on court orders and Bar records rather than social media or rumor.
2. Identify every open deadline. For each affected claim, build a calendar of policy deadlines, statutory limitation periods, discovery responses, appraisal steps and hearing dates.
3. Make sure the client is informed. The policyholder, not the PA, decides on new counsel. PAs should keep their communications factual and neutral and should not give legal advice or speculate about the criminal case. Remember that PAs have their own licensing limits and cannot act as legal counsel.
4. Protect the file. Policyholders have a right to their files. Request copies of the claim file, policy, estimates, expert reports, correspondence and pleadings so that nothing is lost in the transition.
5. Update the carrier. Once the client has new counsel, send a written letter of representation to the carrier and any defense counsel, and confirm that the correct party is receiving all claim communications.
6. Document your own work. Keep your estimates, photographs, scope notes and communications organized so that successor counsel can get up to speed quickly.
7. Do not assume anything about the underlying case. The charges are allegations that have not been tested at a preliminary hearing or trial. Treat the matter as a practical continuity issue for clients rather than a basis for commentary.

Protecting Clients When Counsel Changes

The disruption caused by an attorney's suspension falls hardest on the policyholders with active claims. Property claims after storms, water losses and fires are already time-sensitive, and delays can allow carriers to invoke notice, suit-limitation or failure-to-mitigate defenses. A prompt, organized handoff is the best way to avoid prejudice to the claim. Policyholders should be encouraged to act within the wind-down period rather than wait for the effective date.

How Louis Law Group Can Help

Louis Law Group represents Florida policyholders in property damage disputes, including hurricane, water, fire and roof claims. If you or your client is affected by a change in counsel, our team can review the claim file, identify upcoming deadlines and advise on next steps without delay. We work alongside public adjusters and respect the PA's role in documenting and presenting the loss.

Call Louis Law Group at (833) 657-4812 for a prompt review of your claim and your options.

Source: Claims Journal - Florida Injury Lawyer Suspended After Murder-for-Hire Arrest in 2021 Case