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ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — Josiah Gattle, a high-profile Republican leader in Brevard County politics and two-time candidate for Rockledge City Council, is facing serious questions after the State of Florida issued a Stop-Work Order against his business for failing to obtain legally required workers’ compensation insurance. Prominent Melbourne surgeon Dr. Castellon was recently arrested on felony charges for similar non-compliance.

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According to state records, Gattle Business Services 3962, LLC — which operates one of his UPS Store franchises in Brevard County — was served with a Stop-Work Order on July 9, 2025. The order, issued by the Florida Department of Financial Services, cited “Failure to Obtain Coverage” and remained in effect until July 30, 2025, after the company entered into a penalty agreement. However, state records show the order has not been reinstated, indicating the business may still be out of compliance. We reached out to Gattle for clarification on the current status of his business and if the state has allowed his business operations to resume. As of the publication of this article, he has not replied.

Gattle owns multiple UPS Store locations in Brevard. His campaign materials have frequently highlighted his role as a small business owner and job creator, touting how he avoided layoffs during COVID-19 to “support essential transportation and communication needs.”

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But the state’s findings raise questions about whether Gattle’s public image as a responsible business leader aligns with his actual business practices — especially given his prominent positions in Republican politics. Gattle currently serves as Chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Brevard and is a long-time Precinct Committeeman with the Brevard Republican Executive Committee, positions that put him at the forefront of advocating for fiscal responsibility, law-and-order policies, and strict compliance with regulations. He was also the Chair of the Space Coast Young Republicans. He’s assisted on numerous unsucessful campaigns in Brevard County to inlcude Nathan White for Palm Bay City Council and Terry Cronin for Florida State House.

The situation is particularly politically sensitive because Gattle has made accountability and leadership central themes of his campaigns. He ran for Rockledge City Council twice in recent years, losing both times — most recently in 2024, when he was defeated by nearly 10 points by a Democrat in a county where Republicans typically dominate local races.

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