Background
James E. Pugh and Heather H. Pugh brought two related appeals from the Circuit Court for Okaloosa County, Judge John T. Brown presiding. In the first appeal (1D2025-0170), the Pughs challenged a ruling against them involving Mary W. Johnson and James F. Johnson as individuals. In the second (1D2025-0172), they challenged a ruling involving Jeanne S. Martin in her capacity as trustee of the Jeanne S. Martin Trust Dated March 5, 2001.
The two cases were resolved together by the First District Court of Appeal in a single per curiam order. The underlying nature of the dispute — the specific claims, facts, and relief sought at the trial court level — is not disclosed in the appellate opinion, which contains no written analysis or factual recitation.
The Court’s Holding
In a brief per curiam order, Judges Ray, Nordby, and Long unanimously affirmed the circuit court’s rulings in both cases. No written opinion was issued explaining the court’s reasoning.
The decision is not yet final and may be subject to further proceedings if a timely and authorized motion is filed under Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331.
Key Takeaways
- The First DCA affirmed the Okaloosa County circuit court in both consolidated cases without a written opinion.
- All three judges — Ray, Nordby, and Long — concurred in the per curiam affirmance.
- The decision remains non-final pending any authorized post-decision motions under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or 9.331.
Why It Matters
Because this is an unelaborated per curiam affirmance, it carries no precedential weight and provides no guidance on the legal or factual issues at stake. Practitioners should not cite this decision for any substantive proposition of law.
Parties and counsel in similar disputes involving the Pughs, the Johnsons, or the Martin Trust should review the underlying circuit court record in Okaloosa County for the reasoning that the appellate court left undisturbed.