The Florida Senate on Tuesday unanimously chose Jim Boyd to serve as Senate president for the 2026-28 term.
Boyd, a Bradenton Republican, will take over from Senate President Ben Albritton at the end of Albritton’s term following 2026 elections, presuming the GOP retains control. His fellow Republicans selected him unanimously, lauding him as “Diamond Jim,” although these public announcements are purely ceremonial — future House speakers and Senate presidents are chosen years ahead of time.
“This moment is not about me. It is about the institution we serve, the legacy we inherit, and the future we are called to build together,” Boyd said from the rostrum. “My vision is a Florida that remains the beacon of freedom and opportunity for our nation.”
He continued, listing his priorities as future Senate President.
“We will defend the taxpayer and ensure every dollar is used wisely. We will break down barriers for job creators and innovators. We will protect the rights of parents and strengthen our schools. We will stand firmly with law enforcement to keep our communities safe. We will conserve Florida’s natural beauty so that it endures for generations,” he said. “These are not just policies, they are commitments.”
The celebration came one week after the Florida House announced that Rep. Sam Garrison, a Fleming Island Republican, would be its next speaker. Garrison will take over from sitting Speaker Danny Perez, who’s dominated headlines for asserting the House’s independence from the executive branch.
Boyd, who works in insurance and investment, was elected to the Senate in 2020 after serving in the House from 2010 to 2018. He is Florida State University graduate whose grandfather and uncle served in the Legislature as representatives of Manatee County. Unlike Boyd, they both served as Democrats.
During his time in the Legislature, Boyd sponsored a strict crackdown on retail theft — heartily signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 — and tougher penalties for Floridians who falsely report crime. He’s sponsored multiple bills dealing with property insurance.