Bryan Avila

Last updated
Bryan Avila
S39 5459.jpg
Avila in 2022
Member of the Florida Senate
from the 39th district
Assumed office
November 8, 2022

During his first term in office, Avila authored pieces of legislation such as providing a property-tax exemption for low-income seniors, streamlining the tax appeals process, establishing in-state tuition for all active duty service members, reforming HIV testing, and implementing distance requirements for Assisted Living Facilities. [8] In 2016, Avila ran for re-election and defeated Sevi Miyar, the Democratic nominee and a high school teacher. Avila was recognized for his accomplishments during his first term in office and received the endorsement of the Miami Herald. [9] He went on to win 59% of the vote and was sworn in for his second term on November 22, 2016.

Avila served as Majority Deputy Whip from 2016 to 2018 and as Speaker Pro Tempore from 2020 to 2022. He chaired the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee during the 2020–2022 term, which oversaw healthcare spending in the state budget. From 2016 to 2018, he was Alternating Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight. He also held positions as Vice Chair of the Commerce Committee and served on committees including Appropriations, Redistricting, and Energy & Utilities.

Campaign for the Miami-Dade County Commission

Term limited from his house seat in 2022, Avila announced his candidacy for Miami Dade County Commission District 6. The incumbent, longtime Commissioner Rebecca Sosa will also be term-limited making the seat open for the first time since Sosa won in 2001. [2] [10] Avila's only other opponent in the race is diversity consultant Ibis Valdes. [11] [12] However he would reverse his decision and instead run for the Florida Senate.

Florida Senate

Avila has served in the Florida Senate since 2023, representing District 39. After withdrawing from the race for Miami-Dade Commissioner, he instead ran for an open seat in the 39th District, which was left vacant by fellow Republican Manny Díaz Jr. who was appointed by governor Ron DeSantis as Florida's Commissioner of Education, winning right away in November 8, 2022 as he faced no opposition. Avila currently serves as Chair of the Finance and Tax Committee, which oversees tax policy and fiscal legislation. He is also Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee and a member of the Appropriations, Ethics and Elections, Health Policy, Environment and Natural Resources, Fiscal Policy, and Rules Committees. He has previously chaired the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Collective Bargaining Committee, which oversee public administration and labor relations.

Awards and Honors

References

  1. "Bryan Avila". FVF. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  2. 1 2 "Bryan Avila files to succeed Rebeca Sosa on Miami-Dade County Commission". Florida Politics . 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  3. "Florida Senate - Bryan Avila 2024-2026". www.flsenate.gov. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  4. Derby, Kevin (September 23, 2013). "GOP Primary Heats Up for Miami-Dade House Seat". Sunshine State News. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  5. "The Herald recommends: For Florida House". Miami Herald . August 7, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  6. Henderson, Jeff (June 4, 2014). "Miami Dems Want to Take the Fight to GOP House Members". Sunshine State News. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  7. "OUR OPINION: Our recommended candidates for the Florida Legislature". Miami Herald . October 11, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  8. "Bryan Avila Committee Membership for 2014-2016 Term". www.flhouse.gov. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  9. "Miami Herald recommendations for the Florida House" . Miami Herald. 25 October 2016. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  10. "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Rebeca Sosa". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  11. "Candidate Reports". www.voterfocus.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  12. "Diversity & Inclusion | Ibis Valdes Consulting, LLC | United States". Ibis Valdes. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  13. Razdrih, Melissa S. (2019-08-04). "Joe Gruters, Byron Donalds recognized as 'champions of housing'". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  14. "BOMA Florida - Legislator of the Year". www.bomaflorida.org. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  15. "2019 Distinguished Advocates". Florida Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  16. Haughn, Robert (2024-06-20). "'Incredibly proud': Bryan Ávila gains major police union endorsement". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  17. dstancavage (2024-05-30). "AFP-Florida Releases 2024 Legislative Scorecard, Highlights House and Senate Policy Champions". Americans for Prosperity. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  18. "2024 Legislative Session Honor Roll". Florida Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  19. Collins, Erin (2025-06-04). "Advocates and Law Enforcement Inspire at "A Night of Hope and Healing"". Florida Alliance To End Human Trafficking. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
Florida House of Representatives
Preceded by Speaker pro tempore of the Florida House of Representatives
2020–2022
Succeeded by