Richard Gentry is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives serving District 27, which covers parts of Lake, Marion, and Volusia Counties. Born on May 1, 1951, in Daytona, Florida, he is an attorney, lobbyist, and former Public Counsel of Florida, sworn into office on November 19, 2024, after winning election that year. Notable achievements include his induction into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame by the Florida Home Builders Association, shaping landmark legislation like the Growth Management Act and Sadowski Act as General and Legislative Counsel for the association, and serving as Florida Public Counsel to represent ratepayers before the Public Service Commission.

Education and Political Experience

Education: University of Miami .

Political Experience: Elected to the Florida House in 2024 to succeed term-limited Rep. Stan McClain; previously appointed Public Counsel in 2021, supervising a team of lawyers and accountants; over 50 years in law and lobbying, including staff attorney for the state, work with the Florida Home Builders Association , and private practice in land use, local government, utilities, transportation, and insurance. Current committee roles include Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Select Committee on Property Taxes, and others focused on state affairs, government operations, natural resources, and economic development. He is Methodist, married to Carol Stoutamire of Georgia, and affiliated with the Free Masons; recreational interests include fishing and hunting.