Anderson v. School Board of Orange County et al

Filing 15

ORDER denying 10 motion to dismiss. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 3/31/2017. (TKW)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
ORLANDO DIVISION
NAOMI ANDERSON,
Plaintiff,
v.

Case No: 6:17-cv-220-Orl-31GJK

SCHOOL BOARD OF ORANGE
COUNTY and LEROY LEE,
Defendants.

ORDER
This case is brought by Naomi Anderson, as natural parent and guardian of L.M., her 12year-old son. In her Complaint (Doc. 1), Anderson alleges that while L.M. was on a school bus
travelling to his elementary school, he was severely beaten by Defendant Leroy Lee, a bus driver
employed by Defendant School Board of Orange County (henceforth, the “School Board”).
(Doc. 1 at 4). According to Anderson, Lee grabbed L.M., tossed him on the floor, and assaulted
him by repeatedly kicking him in the face, body, feet, and legs, subjecting him to excessive
physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. (Doc. 1 at 4).
Anderson has filed suit against both the School Board, which has not yet been served, and
against Lee individually. The claims against Lee are set forth in Count II (violation of civil rights
under 42 U.S.C. § 1983), Count IV (assault), Count VI (battery), and Count VII (intentional
infliction of emotional distress). On March 13, 2017, Lee moved to dismiss these counts,
contending that they were barred by Florida’s employee immunity statute, Fla. Stat. § 768.28(9).
(Doc. 10) Anderson filed a response (Doc. 12) to that motion.

Florida’s employee immunity statute provides that a state officer, employee, or agent
cannot be held personally liable in tort while acting within the scope of his or her employment
“unless such officer, employee or agent acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a
manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard to human rights, safety or property.” Fla.
Stat. § 768.28(9). The allegations in the Complaint are sufficient to satisfy this exception to the
statute, so the Florida state law tort claims against Lee will not be dismissed.1 Accordingly, it is
ORDERED that the Motion to Dismiss (Doc. 4) is DENIED.
DONE and ORDERED in Chambers, Orlando, Florida on March 30, 2017.

Copies furnished to:
Counsel of Record
Unrepresented Party

1

Lee makes no argument as to why the Section 1983 claim is deficient.

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