Florida Banking February/March 2025

Q: What are the legislative priorities for your term as Speaker of the House? My legislative priority is straightforward: serve the people of Florida. State government must do a better job of focusing on what truly matters to our constituents and finding solutions to the problems everyday Floridians face. We need to deliver real, meaningful solutions that make a difference in their lives. Q: How would you encourage Florida bankers to engage in the legislative process? Bankers have a unique perspective on Florida’s economy. It’s my hope that everyone in the financial services industry will lend their voice to the policymaking process.

our state budget should not be the measure of our economic health. True economic health is reflected in whether Floridians can secure well-paying jobs and have the ability to save and plan for their future. Q: How do you expect the Legislature to help spur economic activity and job growth in Florida under your leadership? The best way the Legislature can help spur economic activity and job growth in Florida is by eliminating bureaucracy, cutting red tape and removing burdensome regulations whenever possible. When government is not needed, we should get out of the way and allow Floridians to thrive.

SENATE PRESIDENT BEN ALBRITTON

Senate President Ben Albritton is a fourth-generation farmer, born and raised in Florida’s Heartland. Brought up by a family of farmers, ranchers, citrus growers and businessmen, he has invested his life in the rich agricultural heritage of Central Florida. Sen. Albritton earned a bachelor of science degree in Citrus/Business in 1990 from Florida Southern College. He went on to work for his family’s citrus groves and for over 30 years, has focused on the growth of Florida’s agricultural community.

Gov. Jeb Bush appointed Sen. Albritton to serve on the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC). He served in a variety of FCC leadership roles, including as Chairman from 2007 10. He also served as a board member and President of the Peace River Citrus Growers Association, and as a board member and Chair of the East Charlotte County Drainage District. He resigned from the FCC to pursue a seat in the Florida House. After being elected House in 2010, Sen. Albritton served as Chairman of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, and as Vice Chairman of the Natural Resources & Public Lands Subcommittee, Agriculture & Property Rights Subcommittee, Appropriations Committee and Government Accountability Committee. He also chaired the Polk, Hardee and DeSoto County Legislative Delegations. Sen. Albritton was elected to the Florida Senate in 2018. In 2022, he was appointed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to serve as Majority Leader. He and his wife, Missy, have three children – Rebecca, Joshua and Ryan – and a brand-new grandbaby.

HOUSE SPEAKER DANNY PEREZ

House Speaker Daniel Perez was born in New York, New York. He received his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College. His career experience includes working as an attorney. House Speaker Perez’s upbringing, shaped by the experiences of his grandparents who emigrated from Cuba in 1969, instilled in him a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to public service. His journey from his first job as a transportation dispatcher to becoming a successful attorney and state representative underscores his dedication to his community. Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2017, Perez has served as Vice

Chairman for the Gaming Control Subcommittee and as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. Perez’s personal family experiences have profoundly influenced his legislative priorities. He is a passionate advocate for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, pushing for better support systems and more effective coordination of programs for individuals with special needs. Perez and his wife, Stephanie, have three children – Camila Lucia, Matias Daniel and Paulina Andrea.

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM FEBRUARY | MARCH 2025 — 11