Former FWC Scientist Reaches $485,000 Settlement Over Social Media Post Controversy
A former Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) scientist has reached a $485,000 settlement with the state after being fired for a social media post related to Charlie Kirk. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida has also imposed sanctions on an FWC official and a law firm in connection with the case. Brittney Brown, a biologist at Tyndall Air Force Base Critical Wildlife Area, was terminated for sharing a post suggesting whales were not saddened by Kirk's death. The ACLU of Florida represented Brown in a federal First Amendment lawsuit against the FWC, alleging violations of her rights. The settlement includes compensation for back wages, damages, attorney's fees, and costs, as well as a neutral reference for future employment and access to FWC resources. Brown expressed disappointment in the government's handling of the situation, emphasizing the misuse of taxpayer dollars.
According to Brown's attorneys, state officials claimed that her private post caused disruptions and public complaints, but evidence presented during the case contradicted these assertions. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida has criticized an FWC official for providing a false affidavit and the law firm of Lawson Huck Gonzalez for engaging in contentious litigation on behalf of the state. A trial related to these issues is scheduled for June 2026. The settlement agreement has been fully executed, marking the resolution of the case.
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