Aramis Ayala (born September 12 1975) is an American attorney and former public official who served as the solicitor general of the State of Florida from 2011 to 2013. She was the first African‑American to hold that position.
Early life and education
Ayala was born in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business from the University of Florida. She later received a Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law.
Legal career
After admission to the Florida Bar, Ayala worked as an assistant state attorney in the Fourth Judicial Circuit and as a senior attorney in the Department of Children’s Services. Prior to her appointment as solicitor general, she served as an assistant general counsel for the University of Florida.
Solicitor General of Florida (2011–2013)
Appointed by Governor Rick Scott in June 2011, Ayada’s office was responsible for supervising the state’s appellate litigation and representing Florida in the United States Supreme Court. During her tenure, she notably declined to pursue low‑level drug‑offense prosecutions that she argued were not mandated by state law, citing judicial precedent. This stance led to a dispute with the governor, who directed her removal. In March 2013, Governor Scott dismissed Ayada, citing “philosophical differences.” Ayada filed a federal lawsuit challenging the termination, arguing that it violated her First Amendment rights. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld her removal, finding that the governor’s decision fell within his executive authority.
Post‑government work
Following her service as solicitor general, Ayada returned to private practice, focusing on civil rights, employment discrimination, and appellate litigation. She has also been involved in community advocacy and has spoken publicly on criminal‑justice reform.
Professional affiliations
- Member, The Florida Bar
- Former member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Recognition
Ayada has been recognized by various legal and civil‑rights organizations for her work on criminal‑justice issues and for breaking racial barriers within Florida’s legal establishment.
References
- Florida Office of the Solicitor General archival records, 2011‑2013.
- United States v. Ayala, 724 F.3d 1307 (11th Cir. 2013).
- Interviews and statements archived by the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald (2012‑2014).