THE LIST: Florida lawmakers with real estate, construction and development ties
The following are current members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives who are either employed or own a business involved in real estate. Some own multiple rentals or real estate investment properties. Also included are those who work for developers and construction firms as well as attorneys who specialize in these industries. In some cases, the real estate ties or holdings appear to be relatively minor. The list also excludes some state lawmakers who might have merited inclusion but were left off because the nature of their businesses and/or sources of income was unclear. The information was gleaned from Senate and House biographies, the latest financial disclosure forms, and news accounts.
Strength or conflict of interest? Florida lawmakers' real estate ties spark debate
Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake, District 13)
Senate President Pro Tempore.
OCCUPATION: "Funeral director, consultant for Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services." His LinkedIn page lists him as the owner of the Ocala-based business.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form lists his investment holdings as including 10,000 shares in Hospitality Properties Trust, a real estate investment trust that owns 274 hotels, as well as small stakes in Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corp., and National Retail Properties Inc.
Sen. Jim Boyd (D-Bradenton, District 20)
OCCUPATION: "Insurance and investments." CEO of Boyd Insurance & Investments in Bradenton.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to his financial interests disclosure form, his assets include an investment property in Bradenton valued at $1.75 million. In addition to his principal business, he also is president of The Boyd Group, a commercial real estate brokerage valued at $40,000, also in Bradenton.
Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island, District 6)
OCCUPATION: "Attorney." Business manager with Bradley, Garrison & Komando P.A. in Orange Park.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Her financial interests disclosure form states that she also owns Hibernia Property Management Inc., a commercial rental company, valued at just under $1 million, in Orange Park.
Sen. Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola, District 1)
OCCUPATION: "Insurance and real estate." His businesses, according to incorporation documents filed with the state, include Broxson Station, B&B Business Development, B&B Batting Company, and Doug Broxson Insurance.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to his financial interests disclosure form, his sources of income include rental payments from four commercial tenants as well as from a rental house and condominium unit.
Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota, District 22)
Chair of Regulated Industries.
OCCUPATION: "Certified public accountant" with Robinson, Gruters & Roberts CPA in Venice.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to his financial interests disclosure form, he owns three houses, his CPA firm, a company called SJE Real Estate, and 1.026 shares in a company called EPR Properties.
Sen. Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor, District 21)
Chair, Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development.
OCCUPATION: "Retired Firefighter; Consus Group LLC, partner."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: A 2014 Tampa Bay Times article on Hooper described him as co-founder of Consus Group, a Clearwater lobbying and consulting firm that helps developers and other clients in the local zoning and permitting process. Its clients over the years have included several hotel and condominium projects, primarily in Clearwater and Clearwater Beach. His most current financial disclosure form does not show any interest in the company. It does show that he owns $17,534 in IShares TR US Real Estate.
Sen. Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast, District 7)
Chair, Fiscal Policy
OCCUPATION: "Senior vice president at Hutson Companies."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His family's St. Johns County-based business is a real estate development company whose projects include SilverLeaf, a master-planned community in St. Augustine that was the third-fastest growing in the country in 2022, selling more than 1,000 new homes. The massive project upon full buildout will have more than 16,000 dwelling units and 2.9 million square feet of commercial space.
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill, District 11)
Chair, Finance & Tax. Elected to the Senate in 2022 after serving in the House from 2014-2022.
OCCUPATION: None given on his Senate biography. His House biography stated that he is a "home builder."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His LinkedIn page states that he is the CEO of Hartland Homes in Hernando and Citrus counties. His financial interests disclosure form shows he earned $2.5 million in 2021 from Hartland Homes as well as a $70,000 salary from the business, and $43,259 from another business called Hartland Centre.
Sen. Rosalind Osgood (D-Tamarac, District 32)
Elected to the Senate in March 2022 and subsequently re-elected to a full term.
OCCUPATION: "Chief executive officer" for a Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit called Mount Olive Development Corp.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to Guidestar, Mount Olive Development Corp's mission is to "revitalize low- and moderate-income communities of Broward County by providing affordable housing, social services, and job opportunities." Her financial interests disclosure form shows she earned $122,725 in income from her job with the nonprofit as well as $29,196 from "Faith in Florida."
Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples, District 28)
Senate President.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" with Kelly, Passidomo & Alba LLP in Naples.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Passidomo specializes in real estate law. Her financial interests disclosure form shows she earned $36,105 in income from the law firm in 2021. Her assets include two houses and a stake in four condominium units and two restaurants.
Sen. Keith Perry (R-Gainesville, District 9)
OCCUPATION: "Founder/CEO of Perry Roofing Contractors" in Gainesville.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: In addition to earning $225,800 in income from his business in 2021, he also owns a house and a commercial building.
Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-Hollywood, District 37)
Vice chair, Select Committee on Resilience; alternating chair, Joint Legislative Auditing Committee
OCCUPATION: "Attorney." The Florida Bar states that his practice areas are "real estate/land development." His LinkedIn page states that he worked as an associate attorney with Stearns Weaver Miller in 2015-2016, but only lists his current employer as being the Florida Senate.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form notes that his assets include "partnerships in real estate investments" in New Jersey.
Sen. Bobby Powell Jr. (D-West Palm Beach, District 24)
Vice chair, Appropriations Committee on Criminal & Court Justice
OCCUPATION: "Planner and project manager, Urban Design Kilday Studios."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: The firm's website describes it as a West Palm Beach-based "provider of landscape, architecture and government approvals." Powell's financial interests disclosure form states that he earned $48,325 in 2021 from his job with the firm.
Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral, District 40)
Chair, Environment & Natural Resources
OCCUPATION: "Senior vice president of Miami Realtors."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: The website for the Miami Realtors association lists Rodriguez as "chief of strategic initiatives." Her financial interests disclosure form shows she earned $85,000 in 2021 from her job with the association.
Sen. Jay Trumbull Jr. (R-Panama City, District 2)
Chair, Commerce & Tourism; vice chair, Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism & Economic Development.
OCCUPATION: "Business owner." He is one of several family members who own Emerald Coast Culligan, a provider of water treatment services and drinking water in Panama City.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows that in 2021 he earned $53,950 from Trumbull Bottled Water and $60,000 from Southern Air Experts LLC which does business as Bush Air Conditioning. His assets include "Genesis Land Development LLCV," ($21,021) and "Creekside Estates PC LLC Property" ($220,924).
Sen. Tom Wright (R-Port Orange, District 8)
Chair, Military & Veteran Affairs, Space & Domestic Security; vice chair, Commerce & Tourism.
OCCUPATION: "Retired businessman."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows his assets include a business park, a commercial building and other real estate properties in Minnesota as well as a 10,000-square-foot commercial building in Port Orange.
Rep. Shane Abbott (R-DeFuniak Springs, District 5)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: "Pharmacist, business owner" - Prescription Place in DeFuniak Springs.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interest disclosure form shows that in addition to his business and home, he also owns 10 real estate properties in both Walton and Okaloosa counties. The combined value of those properties, not including his home, is $685,607. He also earned $17,200 in 2021 from two rental properties.
Rep. Thad Altman (R-Indian Harbour Beach, District 32)
OCCUPATION: "Foundation president." His LinkedIn page states that he is president and CEO of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation at Kennedy Space Center.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows that in addition to his home in Indialantic, he also owns a house in Rockledge as well as a one-third stake in a property and business called The Pines Resort LLC in Satellite Beach, which does business as "Pines Resort Apartments." His 2021 income also included $13,250 from a business called Tara Management in addition to his salary at The Astronauts Memorial Foundation.
Rep. Adam Anderson (R-Tarpon Springs, District 57)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: "Financial planner, real estate."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to the website for MRA Capital Partners, Anderson is the founder, CEO and managing partner of the Tampa-based "boutique, privately held real estate investment company that invests in value add and cash-flowing investments throughout the United States."
Rep. Robert "Alex" Andrade (R-Pensacola, District 2)
Chair, Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" at Moore Hill & Westmoreland P.A. in Pensacola.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to its website, the law firm specializes in civil litigation, business, family and real estate law. Andrade's areas of practice include civil and commercial litigation and real property. His financial interests disclosure form also shows he owns an additional property in Pensacola as well as his home.
Rep. Jessica Baker (R-Jacksonville, District 17)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney." The website Florida Politics states that Baker is an assistant state attorney in Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit in St. Augustine.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Her financial interests disclosure form shows that in 2021 she also earned $35,000 from Baker Law Group as well as $65,023 in rental fees from JWB Property Management. In addition to her home in Jacksonville, she also owns five rental houses as well as a house lot, a business called Redway Ventures LLC and shares in Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust.
Rep. Christopher Benjamin (D-Miami Gardens, District 107)
OCCUPATION: "Attorney." Serves as an of-counsel attorney with International Law Partners. Also did work in 2021 for Salmon & Dulberg Dispute Resolution.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: He is a licensed mediator, da Florida Supreme Court-qualified arbitrator, a real estate broker, a certified property management specialist, a title insurance agent and a Florida notary public.
Rep. David Borrero (R-Doral, District 111)
OCCUPATION: "Construction."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to LinkedIn, he works as an estimating coordinator and as an account executive at T&G Constructors. He is also a member of Associated Builders & Contractors and the Urban Land Institute.
Rep. Adam Botana (R-Bonita Springs, District 80)
Chief Floor Whip.
OCCUPATION: "Carnival industry, food and beverage, marina industry, small business owner." His LinkedIn page states that he is vice president at Baywater Boat Club & Rentals in Bonita Springs, which is owned by his family.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: According to his financial interests disclosure form, his assets include a rental house in Estero valued at $453,500.
Rep. Chuck Brannan III (R-Lake City, District 10)
OCCUPATION: "Retired chief investigator, Baker County Sheriff's Office, former Deputy U.S. Marshal, lifelong cattleman, residential property owner."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows he owns two rental properties in addition to his home in Macclenny.
Rep. James Buchanan (R-North Port, District 74)
Chair, Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee; vice chair, Ways & Means Committee.
OCCUPATION: "Real estate broker" with James Buchanan Realty in Longboat Key.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: In addition to his day job, his financial disclosure form shows he owns multiple properties including "Jamatt Properties" and "Cortez Landings” and a real estate business in Sarasota called "Amerestate Global Investment Group LLC."
Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera (R-Coral Gables, District 114)
OCCUPATION: "Nonprofit development director" for ADE Miami, a provider of services to adults with disabilities.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: In addition to her home in Coral Gables, she also owns a rental property that generated $30,600 in income from renters in 2021.
Rep. Mike Caruso (R-West Palm Beach, District 87)
Chair, Joint Legislative Auditing Committee; vice chair, State Affairs Committee's Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: "Certified public accountant" with Caruso & Caruso CPA in Delray Beach.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: The website floridahousegop.com states that in addition to his professional work as a CPA, Caruso "owns and manages residential and commercial properties throughout (Palm Beach County) and is the CFO (chief financial officer) of Delray Beach Executive Suites," which he co-owns with his wife. His financial interests disclosure form also states that he also owns a commercial real estate rental company called "Going Diamond Inc."
Rep. Hillary Cassel (D-Hollywood, District 101)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" with Cassel & Cassel P.A. in Hollywood.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Represents policyholders in property damage claims against their insurance companies. Clients include homeowners, condo owners, condo associations, businesses and building owners.
Rep. Chuck Clemons Sr. (R-Jonesville, District 22)
Speaker Pro Tempore.
OCCUPATION: "College administrator" -- vice president of advancement and communications for Santa Fe College.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Financial interests disclosure form shows Clemons' income in 2021 included $58,869 from "Main & Field Real Estate LLC K-1." Clemons is also a closing agent with Action Title Services in St. Augustine as well as a "closing attorney" with law firms in both Gainesville and Chiefland.
Rep. Dan Daley (D-Sunrise, District 90)
OCCUPATION: "Corporate counsel" for The GTM Group in Coral Springs, a sales consulting and government procurement agency that "connects clients" to SLED (state, local and education) government agencies, as well as to federal, higher education and health care agencies.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: In addition to earning $31,143 in income in 2021 from GTM, Daley's financial interests disclosure form also shows he earned $94,999 from 13th Floor HB Manager LLC, where he served as a legal counsel to the Fort Lauderdale-based real estate investment and development firm.
Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa, District 67)
Minority Leader.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" with Carlton Fields Law Firm in Tampa. Represents banks and other financial institutions in commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Driskell's financial interests disclosure form shows in 2021 she also received $24,840 in income from a rental property she owns in Tampa.
Rep. Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville, District 12)
Chair, Insurance & Banking Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" with Rogers Towers Attorneys at Law in Jacksonville.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Practice areas include land use, zoning, permitting, developments of regional impact, concurrency approvals, charter amendments and property tax valuation challenges.
Rep. Tom Fabricio (R-Miami Lakes, District 110)
Vice chair, Insurance & Banking Subcommittee; vice chair, Transportation & Modals Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" with The Fabricio Law Firm P.A. in Miami Lakes.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: As an attorney, Fabricio focuses on commercial litigation and real estate transactions. He also serves as managing member and a title agent with True Freedom Title LLC, a Miami Lakes firm that provides professional title, escrow and closing services for residential and commercial real estate transactions throughout Florida.
Rep. Juan A. Fernandez-Barquin (R-Miami, District 118)
Chair, Ethics, Elections & Open Elections Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" with Juan A. Fernandez-Barquin P.A. in Miami.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: As an attorney, he focuses on real property probate and trust. His LinkedIn page states that he "concentrates on criminal defense, real estate transactions, real estate litigation and wills, trusts and estates." His financial interests disclosure form also shows he owns a one-third stake in JAFB Investments LLC in Coral Gables.
Rep. Gallop Franklin II (D-Tallahassee, District 8)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: "Health care, real estate, education." His campaign website states that he is a clinical pharmacist and an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Florida A&M University where he is the chair of the curriculum committee.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Franklin's LinkedIn page also states that he is the founder and CEO of Gallop Inc., an "angel investor" and provider of business operations and business development strategy services. He also recently launched a boutique real estate investment firm "to provide affordable housing for communities throughout Northern Florida."
Rep. Alina Garcia (R-Miami, District 115)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: "Business owner, real estate."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: A Miami Herald story reported that she "operates rental properties." A financial interests disclosure form on her was not available on the Florida Commission on Ethics website.
Rep. Sam Garrison (R-Fleming Island, District 11)
Chair, Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee; vice chair, Infrastructure Strategies Committee.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney" with Bradley, Garrison & Komando P.A. He also serves as general counsel for The Town of Orange Park where he lives and The Crossings at Fleming Island Community Development District.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: The law firm's website states that Garrison "has extensive expertise handling legal matters involving land use and zoning." His financial interests disclosure form also shows his assets include a "real property interest" in the Simpson Family Revocable Trust in Fleming Island.
Rep. Michael J. Grant (R-Port Charlotte, District 75)
House Majority Leader; Chair, Select Committee on Hurricane Resilience & Recovery.
OCCUPATION: "Business owner." His company is called Ambitrans Ambulance.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows his assets include a home in Port Charlotte as well as 11 other properties and ownership stakes in six businesses.
Rep. Tommy E. Gregory (R-Lakewood Ranch, District 72)
Chair, Judiciary Committee.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney, entrepreneur." His business is called Raketes, which sells wooden beach paddles for a game that originated in Greece.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: The website for Williams Parker Law Firm in Sarasota states that it "represents individual and corporate clients in land use, development and local government matters" as well as private and public employers in labor and employment law matters and commercial litigation.
Rep. Dianne "Ms. Dee" Hart (D-Tampa, District 63)
Democratic Ranking Member, Water Quality, Supply & Treatment Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: "CEO, East Tampa Business and Civic Associaton; business owner" (Ms. Dee's World of Beauty Salon & Barber Shop).
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Financial interest disclosure form shows she also is the owner/president of "DHart Consulting" which provides housing consulting. In addition to her home in Tampa, she also owns two rental properties.
Rep. Fred Hawkins (R-Orlando, District 35)
OCCUPATION: "Education foundation president." Financial interests disclosure form shows in 2021 he earned $86,220 from the Osceola Education Foundation," as well as $55,170 from a company called Brightmark.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His assets include ownership stakes in two businesses, H3 Property Ventures LLC and H3 Environmental LLC. He also owns a home in St. Cloud and two other properties.
Rep. Jeff Holcomb (R-Spring Hill, District 53)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: "Realtor, U.S. Navy Reserve."
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Holcomb is a real estate agent with Re/Max Marketing Specialists in Spring Hill (Hernando County) where he lives and previously was a county commissioner. His financial disclosure form shows he also owns a 50% stake in a Spring Hill business called "Fair Winds Capital LLC" whose primary activity is "real estate."
Rep. Dotie Joseph (D-North Miami, District 108)
Minority Leader Pro Tempore; Democratic Ranking Member for both the Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee and the Energy Communications & Cybersecurity Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: "Attorney." Serves of-counsel to Ottinot Law P.A. in Coral Springs.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Joseph's LinkedIn page states that her specialties as an attorney include "municipal law" as well as other areas of practice. The website for Ottinot Law states that its services include commercial landlord and tenant lease negotiation and litigation, land use and property rights litigation" as well as "real estate and contract law."
Rep. Randy Maggard (R-Zephyrhills, District 54)
Republican Whip, Judiciary Committee; vice chair, Water Quality, Supply & Treatment Subcommittee
OCCUPATION: "Vice president of corporation." His LinkedIn page states that he is president of the Swift Ranch Cattle Company in Dade City as well as vice president of Sonny's Discount Appliances, also in Dade City.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: In addition to owning a home in Dade City, Maggard's financial interests disclosure form shows he also has a significant ownership stake in Maggard Property Holdings LLC valued at $2.18 million as well as a 49.5% stake in both his family's appliance store and cattle ranch.
Rep. Ralph E. Massullo (R-Inverness, District 23)
Chair, Education & Employment Committee.
OCCUPATION: "Dermatologist." Runs Suncoast Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Financial interests disclosure form shows his assets include a home, his dermatology practice, "commercial property lots," a "real estate house and property," businesses called "MWW Properties LLC" and "REM Family Properties," a "real estate condo," and "Happy Valley Ventures."
Rep. Stan McClain Jr. (R-Ocala, District 27)
Chair, Ways & Means Committee.
OCCUPATION: "State-certified residential contractor." LinkedIn states that he is the owner of McClain Construction in Ocala.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: In addition to his business, he is also a member of the Marion County Building Industry Association and Florida Home Builders Association. His financial interests disclosure form reports that his earnings in 2021 included $12,324 from the Marion County Building Industry Association.
Rep. Lawrence McClure (R-Plant City, District 68)
Chair, State Affairs Committee; vice chair, Appropriations Committee.
OCCUPATION: “Business owner.” According to state incorporation filings, he owns a business called Tree II LLC in Dover (Hillsborough County) as well as another one called “Lawco Consulting LLC” at the same address. The Florida House GOP website states that McClure “currently owns a consulting business specializing in small- to mid-market acquisitions.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form states that in addition to his home in Dover, he owns 16 other real estate properties worth a combined total of $1.7 million.
Rep. Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota, District 73)
Chair, Transportation & Modals Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Navy Reserve officer.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: McFarland’s financial interests disclosure form shows that her assets include investments in numerous businesses, as well as her home in Sarasota and a rental property in Bradenton.
Rep. Lauren Melo (R-Naples, District 82)
Chair, Post-secondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee; vice chair, Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Real estate broker.” Her LinkedIn page states that she is with Florida’s Realty Specialists in Naples.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: In addition to her work as a real estate broker, Melo also owns a home in Naples plus three other properties. Her 2021 income included $92,655 from Florida’s Realty Specialists and $39,000 in rental property income.
Rep. Jim Mooney Jr. (R-Key Largo, District 120)
Republican Committee House Whip, Appropriations Committee; vice chair, State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Business owner, Realtor.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Mooney’s LinkedIn page states that he is a real estate agent with Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty in Islamorada. He is also president of James V. Mooney P.A. His financial interests disclosure form shows his assets include a 50% stake in “B-T-RV Storage LLC,” a 100% stake in James V. Mooney P.A. whose primary business is “real estate,” and a 50% stake in an Islamorada apparel store called “Reefline Clothing.” He also owns a home in Islamorada as well as five other properties.
Rep. Toby Overdorf (R-Stuart, District 85)
Chair, Joint Administrative Procedures Committee; vice chair, Judiciary Committee.
OCCUPATION: “Environmental consultant.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His LinkedIn page states that he is president of the environmental division of Engineering Design & Construction Inc. in Port St. Lucie, which specializes in “environmental permitting and compliance.” His financial interests disclosure form shows his 2021 earnings included $267,276 from his job at the firm where he also owns a 15% stake in the business.
Rep. Bobby Payne (R-Palatka, District 20)
Chair, Infrastructure Strategies Committee.
OCCUPATION: “Electric generation and transportation utilities, retired.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows the Palatka resident owns real estate properties in Hampton and St. Augustine.
Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers, District 78)
Chair, Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee; vice chair, Health & Human Services Committee.
OCCUPATION: “Attorney” with Strayhorn & Persons P.L. in Fort Myers.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Practice areas as an attorney include commercial litigation, government and administration, zoning, planning and land use. Financial interests disclosure form also shows Persons-Mulicka earned a salary of $153,831 in 2021 from her law firm as well as $65,000 in partnership income from the firm. She also reported that Alliance of Casa La Linda Corp. in Fort Myers served as a secondary source of income. The primary focus of the business is “housing.”
Rep. Rachel Saunders Plakon (R-Longwood, District 36)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: “Business owner.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: LinkedIn states that Plakon is president of Southeast Ingenuity Investments Inc., a real estate investment firm formerly known as Saunders Company of North Florida Inc. She is also a real estate broker with Saunders Plakon Commercial Real Estate in Lake Mary.
Rep. Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast, District 19)
House Speaker.
OCCUPATION: “Attorney.” Of counsel with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP in Orlando.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Areas of practice as an attorney include commercial litigation matters, including construction contracts, landlord/tenant, and real estate shareholder actions. Renner’s assets, according to his financial interests disclosure form, include his home in Palm Coast and two rental properties in Jacksonville. His 2021 income included $197,045 from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, and $17,356 from Milam Howard Nicandri & Gilliam P.A. in Jacksonville.
Rep. Alex Rizo Jr. (R-Hialeah, District 112)
Republican Committee Whip, State Affairs Committee; vice chair, Education Quality Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Educator, small business owner.” LinkedIn shows Rizo is vice president of Combined Insurance at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Miami. Also owns Florida Educational Leadership Council Inc., Beyond the Bell Learning Centers and Rizo & Sons Consultants as well as a 35% ownership stake in Schooled by Choice LLC.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Financial interests disclosure form shows that Rizo’s assets include a home in Hialeah, and two rental properties also in Hialeah.
Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton, District 71)
Chair, Civil Justice Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Real estate attorney.” LinkedIn shows he represents clients in land use and local government matters for Blalock Watters P.A. in Bradenton.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Clients include commercial and residential real estate developers, corporations, businesses, individuals and local governments. His financial interests disclosure form shows his assets include a home in Bradenton, and an ownership interest in Health Care For All LLP, 101 Riverfront LLC, and 920 Manatee Associates LLC.
Rep. Jason Shoaf (R-Live Oak, District 7)
Chair, Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Natural gas/propane utility.” Vice president St. Joe Natural Gas Company.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows that his 2021 earnings included $56,546 from Alliance Property Management, a company he owns and serves as broker. He also is a co-owner of Gulf South Storage and has a 50% stake in Shoaf Family Trust. The website for the National Association of Realtors included a profile of Shoaf in which he was identified as the broker at one time of the Shoal Real Estate Group in Tallahassee.
Rep. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island, District 31)
Chair, Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Site development.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: The website for Enterprise Florida identifies Sirois as vice president of human resources at Atlantic Development, a site development company in Cocoa. Prior to recently starting his new job, he was executive director of the Office of the State Attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit in Brevard and Seminole counties. Sunbiz also currently lists him as a manager with Riverwalk at Cocoa Homeowners Association Inc.
Rep. Kevin M. Steele (R-Hudson, District 55)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: “CEO, retired.” Sunbiz shows him as a manager for several businesses in Dade City where he lives. They include KJWP LLC (which owns a stake in DataLink in Tampa), Statbook LLC, Still Hunting LLC, and Steele Family Holdings LLC.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Florida Politics reports that “the vast majority of his ($440 million) net worth … comes from real estate holdings.”
Rep. Cyndi Stevenson (R-St. Augustine, District 18)
Chair, Water Quality, Supply & Treatment Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Certified Public Accountant.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Her financial interest disclosure form shows she owns a home in St. Johns County as well as five other properties worth a combined total of $1.26 million.
Rep. Keith Truenow (R-Tavares, District 26)
Chair, Criminal Justice Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION: “Agribusiness.” LinkedIn identifies him as business development manager and founder of Lake Jem Farms in Mount Dora, a producer of sod, woody ornamentals and grass.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: His financial interests disclosure form shows he owns 11 properties with a combined value of $3.68 million. He also owns a business called H2O Irrigation Plus, and ownership stakes in several others including LJF Holdco Inc. and Hurley Peat Inc.
Rep. Kaylee Tuck (R-Sebring, District 83)
Chair, Choice & Innovation Subcommittee; vice chair, Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee, and PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee.
OCCUPATION/REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: “Real estate/land-use attorney” with Henderson Franklin Attorneys at Law in Fort Myers.
Rep. Katherine M. Waldron (D-Wellington, District 93)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: “Business owner.” Her LinkedIn page states that she is president of a business consulting firm called MK Inc. of the Palm Beaches.
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Her financial interests disclosure form states that she owns four properties and that her income in 2021 included $17,500 from two rental properties. The website Gotowncrier.com describes MK Inc. of the Palm Beaches as a “minority-owned company focused on economic development projects in the Caribbean.”
Rep. Taylor Yarkosky (R-Clermont, District 25)
Elected to the House in 2022.
OCCUPATION: “Business owner/contractor.”
REAL ESTATE CONNECTION: Sunbiz shows him as involved in six active businesses: Tyark LLC, Innovative Building Systems, Grander Construction LLC, Advanced Pace Technologies LLC, Advanced Plumbing Technology LLC, and LJ Capital Holdings LLC.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Conflict of interest? List of Florida lawmakers with real estate ties
