Florida Banking February/March 2025

Voices of Leadership Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez on Guiding the Legislature

W e’re pleased to present this feature highlighting two of Florida’s most influential leaders: Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez. Both leaders have close relationships with their constituent bankers and the FBA has them as they’ve risen through the political ranks. Here, they share insights into the state’s financial future, opportunities that lie ahead and their vision for Florida’s economic growth. We were honored to have their participation in the accompanying photo shoot, which captured the leadership and personality of these legislative giants. House and Senate calendars, meetings and floor sessions; meeting packets; legislative trackers and more can be accessed at www.flhouse.gov and www.flsenate.gov. Meet Senate President Ben Albritton Q: What inspired your desire to serve as Senate President? I’m a fourth-generation farmer. I was brought up by a family of farmers, ranchers, citrus growers and businessmen, who invested their lives in the rich agricultural heritage of Central Florida. After finishing school, I went to work in my family’s citrus groves, and for over 30 years, my wife Missy and I have dedicated our professional lives to the growth of Florida’s agricultural community. As part of that work, Gov. Bush appointed me to serve on the Florida Citrus Commission, which really started my involvement in state government. The opportunity to represent my community and other hardworking farm families in Tallahassee and the trust they have placed in me to do so means the world to me. I’m honored by the opportunity to elevate their voices during my time as Senate President. Q: What are some of the life-guiding principles you live by? My faith burns in my heart, my mind and my spirit. 1 Corinthians 13:13 is very clear to me in my walk of faith…it reads,“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I believe the majority of Floridians feel the same; to value love. Here are a few other pieces of wisdom I try to live by. 1. If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it — data and outcomes matter. 2. Measure three times before cutting once — take your time — patience matters. 3. Don’t take down a fence before you know why it was put up — know what you’re doing, why

you’re doing it and the consequences of doing it. Focus on the unknown. 4. It’s easier to fool someone than it is to convince them they were fooled — truth matters, seek it. 5. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson after — pay attention all the way through. 6. If you eat, you’re involved in agriculture — food matters. 7. You don’t have to be cruel to be tough — don’t mistake someone’s kindness for weakness. Q: How do you see Florida’s current economic and financial outlook? For the past several years, the state has seen historic General Revenue balances and an influx of time limited federal stimulus funds related to the pandemic. Our state revenue forecasts, while still growing, have stabilized. So, as we look ahead to 2025, a return to more normal budget spending patterns is warranted to assure our expenditures are aligned with our revenues over the long term. Florida has a great framework for accountability and transparency, but we can always do better. We want to look for new ways to collect meaningful data to measure outcomes to ensure taxpayer resources are being utilized wisely. Q: How do you expect the Legislature to help spur economic activity and job growth in Florida under your leadership? Opportunity in rural Florida doesn’t just mean development. What I see are opportunities to improve our rural quality of life. That’s why I’m asking folks to join me in supporting a “rural renaissance” in Florida. Rural communities are strong and proud. I can tell you the last place they’ll look for guidance is the government. But, I do believe there are things we can do to help. We can support innovation and help rural Florida invest in new technologies that expand education, health care, commerce and transportation, and support agriculture and its supply chain. Q: What are the legislative priorities for your term as Senate President? An important part of Florida’s Rural Renaissance includes an increased focus on our amazing farmers and the food-supply chain in Florida. As a fourth Legislative Leaders, Continued on page 10

8 — FLORIDA BANKING THE VOICE OF FLORIDA BANKING