News Summary
Rene Flowers has been elected as the president-elect of the Florida Association of Counties, marking a significant achievement for the District 7 county commissioner. In her new role, she aims to tackle key local issues such as property taxes, affordable housing, and economic development while promoting cooperation among counties across Florida. The FAC advocates for local governance and empowers counties to address challenges effectively, ensuring their needs are represented at the state level.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Rene Flowers Elected President-Elect of Florida Association of Counties
Rene Flowers has been elected as the president-elect of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), a significant milestone for the county commissioner representing District 7, which includes the St. Petersburg area. Flowers assumed this role on June 27, 2023, and will lead the association in advocating for key local issues that affect all 67 counties across Florida.
The FAC is a pivotal organization based in Tallahassee that serves to represent county interests on a statewide level. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that county commissioners can effectively advocate for local governance and work collaboratively on legislative matters that impact their communities. One of the primary focuses of the FAC is home rule, which empowers local governments to make decisions tailored to their specific community needs.
Flowers has been an active member of the FAC since 2020 and views her election as president-elect as an important challenge. In her new role, she plans to focus on several crucial issues facing counties, which include property taxes, affordable housing, economic development, and homeowners’ insurance. She has expressed strong intentions to promote cooperation among counties to present a unified front to state legislators regarding these pressing concerns.
During her tenure, Flowers highlighted that many counties across the state encounter similar challenges, emphasizing the necessity for collective advocacy efforts. The FAC is distinguished for its lobbying capabilities, particularly regarding state bills that could potentially impact counties adversely. This advocacy work is essential for ensuring that the unique needs of Florida’s diverse counties are heard and prioritized by state lawmakers.
Experience and Leadership Role
As an experienced leader within the FAC, Flowers has served on the executive committee since 2023. She previously held the positions of first and second vice president, respectively, from 2024 to 2025 and 2023 to 2024. Her involvement in various FAC policy committees has furthered her understanding of the critical issues counties face. These committees include Community & Urban Affairs, Health, Safety & Justice, and Finance, Tax & Administration. Flowers has also obtained the Advanced County Commissioner II designation, indicating her commitment to excellence in local governance.
In her response to being elected, Flowers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Pinellas County and emphasized the importance of fostering effective communication between counties and the state legislature. This two-way communication is vital for advocating the specific needs and challenges experienced by counties as they seek solutions to local issues.
The FAC and Its Mission
The FAC is governed by a Board of Directors composed of county commissioners from each Florida Senate district, along with a selection of executive officers. The association’s mission is to advocate on behalf of the diverse needs of Florida’s counties while emphasizing the significance of local governance. By providing a unified voice for these local governments, the FAC aims to address issues that range from funding allocations to legislative changes that affect county operations.
As Rene Flowers steps into her new role as president-elect of the Florida Association of Counties, she carries with her the commitment to not only address the key issues facing constituents of District 7 but also to leverage the collective strength of all counties across the state. Her leadership will be instrumental as Florida navigates the complexities and challenges of governance in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Julia Lomonico Joins Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Florida Legislators Boost Arts Funding by 100%
Florida CEOs Showcase Positive Hiring and Investment Trends
Florida’s Economy Boosted by Miami International Boat Show
Federal Judge Blocks Florida Law Restricting Kids’ Social Media Access
Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns Expands St. Petersburg Office
Tampa Bay School Leaders Recognized for Philanthropy
South Florida Condo Market Faces Decline Amid Rising Inventory
St. Petersburg, Florida To Stop Adding Fluoride to Water Supply
South Florida Emerges as Global Hub for Tech Companies
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Wikipedia: Florida Association of Counties
- Florida Politics
- Google Search: Rene Flowers Florida Association of Counties
- The Weekly Challenger
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
- Hoodline
- Google News: Rene Flowers President-Elect
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
