Cowan v. Smart — affirmed without a written opinion

Case
Andre Chad Cowan v. Alexis Cudidra Smart
Court
Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge
MAKAR (Ron DeSantis, 2023); HARRIS (Rick Scott, 2018)
Date Decided
August 11, 2026
Docket No.
5D2025-3791
Topics
Family Law, Appeals, Per Curiam Affirmance
Source
Read the full opinion

Background

Andre Chad Cowan, appearing without counsel, appealed a decision of the Circuit Court for Brevard County in lower-tribunal case number 05-2024-DR-25811. Circuit Judge Jigisa Bhikhubhai Dookhoo presided below.

Alexis Cudidra Smart made no appearance in the appeal. The appellate court’s brief opinion does not describe the underlying dispute, the order being challenged, Cowan’s arguments, or the circuit court’s reasoning.

The Court’s Holding

The Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s decision. The court issued a per curiam affirmance without a written explanation of its reasoning.

Judges Makar, Harris, and Soud concurred. The opinion states that it is not final until disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fifth District affirmed the circuit court’s ruling.
  • The court provided no factual discussion or legal analysis.
  • Because the opinion does not identify the issues presented, it establishes no stated rationale beyond the affirmance itself.

Why It Matters

The decision leaves the circuit court’s ruling in place but offers practitioners no explanation of the controlling facts or law. Its usefulness is therefore limited to the appeal’s disposition and procedural history.

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