Industry Insight: Florida Injury Lawyer Suspended After Murder-for-Hire Arrest

Background: An Indefinite Suspension

The Florida Supreme Court has suspended Orlando-area attorney Francisco Javier Gonzalez, 59, from the practice of law. According to Insurance Journal, which cited the Orlando Sentinel and court records, the Court acted on a petition from The Florida Bar. The order was entered on September 28 and takes effect at the end of October, giving him 30 days to close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients.

Gonzalez led the Gonzalez Law Firm in Heathrow, outside Orlando. The firm was known for suing insurance companies in medical malpractice, wrongful death, and auto cases, and it also handled bankruptcy matters. Its website appeared to be inoperable on Monday, according to the report.

The Allegations

These are allegations only. Gonzalez has pleaded not guilty and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

He was charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court, arrested May 18, and extradited to Los Angeles. The felony complaint alleges that in 2021 his daughter searched the dark web for a hitman to target her ex-boyfriend and instead ended up dealing with an undercover FBI agent. The complaint alleges that on or about December 21, 2021, Gonzalez spoke with the agent, discussed a Bitcoin payment of $10,000 made through his daughter's boyfriend at the time, and verified the target. Media reports describe a bitter custody dispute involving the daughter's young child.

Defense attorney Karen Goldstein told the Sentinel that prosecutors had exaggerated or concocted information about her client's involvement and described what she called a biased and often false narrative. A preliminary hearing is set for November 18. The Bar's records show no prior disciplinary history, and he has practiced for more than 30 years.

A Caution on Names

Another Florida attorney shares the same name. That lawyer practices real estate and probate law with a different firm in Palm Beach County and is not connected to this matter.

Why This Matters to Public Adjusters and Policyholders

This is not a coverage ruling, but an attorney's sudden suspension can have real consequences for pending claims and lawsuits, especially where an adjuster is coordinating with counsel.

Interim suspension protects clients

An interim suspension is a protective step taken while a disciplinary matter proceeds. It is not a final finding of misconduct. The 30-day wind-down period exists so that clients can be notified, files can be transferred, and deadlines can be protected.

Deadlines do not pause

Florida property and insurance claims carry strict limits, including notice requirements, suit-filing periods, and pre-suit procedures. A client whose lawyer is suspended must not assume that deadlines are tolled. Any client of the firm should confirm the status of every pending matter in writing.

Carrier communication can get tangled

If a PA's client was represented by the suspended firm, carriers and opposing counsel may be unsure who speaks for the insured. Updated letters of representation or notices of appearance help prevent miscommunication and missed correspondence.

Practical Takeaways

• Identify affected files. If any client was represented by the Gonzalez Law Firm, confirm the current status of each matter immediately.
• Request the complete file. Clients have the right to their files. Ask for pleadings, correspondence, estimates, and policy documents.
• Calendar every deadline. Verify upcoming hearing dates, discovery deadlines, appraisal or mediation dates, and limitation periods.
• Update the carrier. Once successor counsel is retained, send written notice so claim communications go to the right party.
• Do not give legal advice. PAs should refer clients to licensed counsel for questions about substitution or malpractice concerns.
• Avoid assumptions. The criminal case is unresolved, so avoid statements about guilt.

The Wider Lesson

Policyholders often choose counsel based on advertising or reputation. This episode is a reminder that clients and professionals should keep their own copies of key claim documents and know who their responsible attorney is. It also shows why having a clear file protects the client if any professional becomes unavailable.

How Louis Law Group Can Help

If your client needs successor counsel on a Florida property damage or insurance claim, Louis Law Group can review the file, identify pending deadlines, and take over the dispute with the carrier. We work with public adjusters to keep claims moving. Call (833) 657-4812 to discuss a transition.

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