Frequent Flyer Asks Federal Court to Strike
Down Orlando Airport’s Mask Mandate

Man Argues Requirement Violates Florida

Constitution’s Privacy Clause & DeSantis’ Order

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority warns passengers masks are mandated at MCO

July 26, 2021

By LUCAS WALL

ORLANDO, Florida – A fully vaccinated frequent traveler unable to wear a mask wants the U.S. District Court here to vacate what he argues is an illegal and unconstitutional mask mandate enforced at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Lucas Wall, 44, of Washington, D.C., filed a legal brief today against the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority asserting numerous reasons why its mask policy must be found unlawful including that it violates the privacy clause of the Florida Constitution, an executive order banning mask mandates issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and a new state law that took effect July 1 allowing the governor to overrule any state or local governmental agency’s dictate for people to cover their faces. GOAA asked the court June 21 to dismiss the case.

Wall – who suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, can’t cover his face because it instigates a feeling of a panic attack, including hyperventilating and other breathing trouble – was asked to wear a mask by a GOAA employee June 2 at MCO. Although the airport authority staffer agreed Wall is exempt from the requirement, he nonetheless violated the privacy clause by inquiring about a traveler’s medical conditions, the brief asserts.

“No provision of the Florida Constitution permits a government employee to probe a person’s medical history to enforce an unlawful federal order such as the Federal Transportation Mask Mandate,” wrote Wall, who is also suing CDC, TSA, President Biden, and other federal agencies to overturn the FTMM. “Not only have I already been injured by GOAA, but if I were to set foot in MCO tomorrow, I would again encounter a strong likelihood a state employee would invade my privacy by asking if I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a face mask.”

Signs at MCO entrances warn “Face coverings are required”

The Florida Court of Appeal ruled June 11 that any governmental mask mandate violates a person’s constitutional right to privacy.

“An agent of the state invades my privacy by making my presence in a state-owned facility (the airport) contingent on disclosing my private health information,” Wall argues. “There is a strong public interest in enforcing Florida’s laws, executive orders, and constitution prohibiting state agencies from requiring travelers obstruct their breathing by covering their nose and mouth.”

Wall submitted as evidence a recent compilation of numerous scientific studies showing masks are totally ineffective.

“GOAA has presented no ‘compelling state interest’ in mandating masks – especially when the scientific evidence shows face coverings have done nothing to reduce COVID-19 infections and masks are actually harmful to human health,” he wrote.

The case before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida is Wall v. CDC, No. 6:21-cv-975-PGB-DCI. Read today’s filing against GOAA. Read the civil complaint that began this case June 7.

Join my new Facebook group Americans Against Mask Mandates.

Donate to my legal fund on GoFundMe at Help End Federal Transportation Mask Mandate.