For months, Dr. Bruce Burtoff, Esq. has remained incarcerated in the Orange County Jail for refusing to reveal the identities of confidential complainants in an ongoing dispute involving alleged misconduct by an HOA.

This case raises serious concerns about attorney-client privilege, retaliation against whistleblowers, and the misuse of judicial power.

For years, residents Lynn Sandford and others have challenged their HOA over allegations including:

Failure to disclose financial budgets
Self-dealing and misappropriation of funds
Failure to conduct proper elections
Other alleged violations of HOA bylaws and fiduciary obligations.

Because of fears of retaliation, two complainants chose to remain anonymous. Dr. Burtoff, acting as counsel, refused to disclose their identities in order to protect his clients and uphold attorney-client privilege.

As a result, he has been held in contempt and incarcerated since March!!

Meanwhile, the named plaintiff, Lynn Sanford, has faced repeated lawsuits and fines from the same HOA after bringing these concerns forward, reinforcing fears of retaliation among other residents.

Judge Jordan, was recently publicly reprimanded following controversial racial remarks that made statewide news. Despite a new judge now overseeing the matter, Dr. Burtoff remains incarcerated. Judge Weiss, the new judge, at this time is not willing to overrule Judge Jordan’s decision and chooses to remain impartial. Dr. Burtoff should not be incarcerated for this.

Additionally, HOA counsel Jennifer Ann Englert is facing disciplinary proceedings before the Florida Supreme Court for misuse of funds and ethical concerns. 

No attorney should be jailed for protecting confidential clients and standing against alleged retaliation. Regardless of where someone stands on HOA disputes, attorney-client privilege is a foundational principle of our justice system.

Please sign this petition and share it to help bring awareness to this case and defend the principles of fairness, due process, and attorney-client privilege.