Daniel Anthony Perez, born on June 22, 1987, in New York City, is a prominent American politician and attorney who currently serves as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. A first-generation Cuban-American, Perez has risen through the ranks of Florida politics to become one of the state’s most influential leaders, representing House District 116 in Miami-Dade County. Known for his steadfast commitment to public service, conservative principles, and a pragmatic approach to governance, Perez assumed the role of House Speaker in November 2024, following a successful legislative career that began in 2017. His journey from a working-class upbringing to the pinnacle of Florida’s legislative leadership reflects a blend of personal determination, cultural heritage, and a deep-rooted belief in the American Dream. representing House District 116 in Miami-Dade County. Known for his steadfast commitment to public service, conservative principles, and a pragmatic approach to governance, Perez assumed the role of House Speaker in November 2024, following a successful legislative career that began in 2017. His journey from a working-class upbringing to the pinnacle of Florida’s legislative leadership reflects a blend of personal determination, cultural heritage, and a deep-rooted belief in the American Dream.
Early Life and Education
Perez was born to Cuban immigrant parents in New York City, where he spent the first six years of his life. In 1993, his family relocated to Florida, settling in the vibrant, culturally rich suburb of Westchester in Miami-Dade County. Growing up in a tight-knit Cuban-American community, Perez was instilled with values of hard work, resilience, and optimism—traits he attributes to his parents’ experiences as immigrants seeking a better life in the United States. These formative years in Miami shaped his identity and fueled his passion for public service.
His leadership abilities emerged early. In 2005, while attending Christopher Columbus High School, a prestigious Catholic school in Miami, Perez was elected class president, marking the beginning of his journey in leadership roles. After graduating, he pursued higher education at Florida State University in Tallahassee, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009. His academic path continued at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 2012. During his time in law school, Perez honed his analytical skills and developed a keen interest in policy and governance, laying the groundwork for his future career.
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Legal Career and Entry into Politics
Upon completing his legal education, Perez returned to Miami and began working as an attorney. He currently serves as in-house legal counsel for Doctors Health Care Plans, Inc., a role that has allowed him to balance his professional life with his growing political responsibilities. His legal background has informed his legislative work, particularly in areas such as judiciary reform, public safety, and healthcare policy.
Perez’s entry into politics came in 2017 when he ran in a special election to replace former Representative José Félix Díaz, who had resigned from Florida House District 116 to pursue a state Senate seat. Perez’s campaign was a grassroots effort focused on accountability, lower taxes, limited government, and community safety—issues that resonated deeply with his constituents in Miami-Dade County. In the Republican primary on July 25, 2017, he defeated Jose Mallea with 54.8% of the vote. He went on to win the general election on September 26, 2017, securing 65.8% of the vote against Democrat Gabriela Mayaudon. This victory marked the beginning of his tenure in the Florida House, where he quickly established himself as a rising star in the Republican Party.
Legislative Career and Rise to Leadership
Since his election, Perez has been a consistent advocate for conservative policies while demonstrating a willingness to address practical challenges facing Floridians. Reelected in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, he has represented District 116—a diverse area encompassing parts of Miami-Dade County—with a focus on issues like healthcare, infrastructure, affordable housing, and property insurance. His legislative record includes efforts to support local organizations, such as the WOW Center, a nonprofit in his district that provides job skills training to adults with developmental disabilities. Perez has successfully directed significant state funding to the center, reflecting his commitment to community-driven initiatives.
Perez’s leadership within the Florida House grew steadily. He served as chair of several key committees, including the Rules Committee, Judiciary Committee, Pandemic & Public Emergencies Committee, and Public Integrity & Elections Committee. These roles showcased his ability to navigate complex policy debates and build consensus among his colleagues. In 2022, he played a pivotal role in advancing Governor Ron DeSantis’s election security legislation, which established a new office to investigate election fraud—a measure Perez framed as a tool to ensure electoral integrity. That same year, he also championed a condo inspection bill inspired by the tragic Surfside collapse, demonstrating his capacity to address urgent state needs.
His reputation as a “straight shooter” and a collaborative leader earned him the respect of his peers. In September 2023, the Republican caucus nominated Perez as Speaker-designate for the 2024-2026 legislative term. Following the 2024 elections, he succeeded Paul Renner as Speaker of the Florida House on November 19, 2024, becoming the second Miami Republican in a decade to hold the gavel. At age 37, Perez brought youthful energy and a fresh perspective to the role, backed by a Republican supermajority in the state legislature.
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Speakership and Policy Priorities
As House Speaker, Perez has outlined an ambitious agenda to tackle some of Florida’s most pressing challenges. His priorities include reforming the state’s property insurance market, addressing rising housing costs, improving education policies, and enhancing healthcare access. He has emphasized the importance of governing in the best interests of Floridians rather than pursuing personal or partisan agendas, a stance that has occasionally put him at odds with Governor DeSantis.
One of Perez’s first major tests as Speaker came in January 2025, when he and Senate President Ben Albritton opposed DeSantis’s call for a special legislative session on illegal immigration. Perez criticized the governor’s proposal as a headline-driven stunt, arguing that special sessions should be reserved for genuine emergencies. Instead, he spearheaded the passage of the “Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act” (TRUMP Act), a more measured approach to immigration enforcement that DeSantis dismissed as “substantially weaker” than his own plan. This clash highlighted Perez’s willingness to assert the legislature’s independence, even within his own party, and underscored his collaborative relationship with Albritton.
Beyond state politics, Perez has gained national prominence as the chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a consortium of conservative lawmakers, a position he assumed in December 2022. His involvement with ALEC has aligned him with broader conservative priorities, such as limited government and free-market policies, while amplifying his influence beyond Florida.
Personal Life and Legacy
Perez is a devoted family man. He is married to Stephanie Ann Perez, and together they have three children: Camila Lucia, Matías Daniel, and Paulina Andrea. His family life reflects his cultural roots and personal values, often drawing parallels to the immigrant experience that shaped his upbringing. Perez frequently cites his heritage as a source of inspiration, emphasizing the opportunities afforded by the United States and his desire to preserve that promise for future generations.
As of March 30, 2025, Daniel Perez is in the early months of his two-year term as House Speaker, a position he will hold through November 2026. His tenure is poised to leave a lasting impact on Florida, blending conservative principles with a pragmatic approach to governance. Colleagues and constituents alike praise his work ethic, integrity, and ability to forge interpersonal connections, qualities that have propelled him from a Miami neighborhood to the heart of Tallahassee’s political arena. For Americans observing his career, Perez represents a new generation of leadership—one rooted in tradition yet focused on addressing the modern challenges facing his state and nation.
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