Alex Andrade

Robert Alexander Andrade is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, currently serving the 2nd District, which encompasses portions of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Born on July 22, 1989, Andrade has built a career in both law and public service, marked by his involvement in various legislative initiatives and leadership roles within the Florida Legislature.

Early life and career

Alex Andrade was raised in Florida and completed his secondary education at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He pursued higher education at the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the College of Journalism and Communications in 2011. During his time at the university, Andrade was an active participant in the UF Trial Team, showcasing his interest in law and advocacy.

Following his undergraduate studies, Andrade continued his education at the University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2013. While at Levin, he held several leadership positions, including President of the Trial Team and Chief Justice of the UF Supreme Court. His involvement in student government and legal advocacy earned him a place in Florida Blue Key, a prestigious leadership honorary society. In recognition of his achievements, Andrade was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame in 2014.

After completing his law degree, Andrade began his professional career as a gubernatorial fellow in the administration of then-Governor Rick Scott. In this role, he worked within the legislative affairs office of the Florida Department of Transportation, where he gained valuable experience in state governance and policy development. His contributions during this fellowship were acknowledged with the Governor Jeb Bush Award for Outstanding Achievement, which he received for a policy proposal aimed at enhancing Florida's engagement with charitable organizations.

In addition to his work in the governor's office, Andrade served as a Certified Legal Intern in the State Attorney's office, where he assisted in prosecuting domestic violence cases. In 2014, he joined the law firm Moore, Hill & Westmoreland, P.A., where he focused on civil litigation, real property, and commercial litigation. His commitment to education continued as he took on the role of adjunct professor at the University of West Florida and became a member of the Legal Studies Advisory Board.

Andrade's public service continued when he was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 1st Circuit Court of Florida in 2017. He was later reappointed to this position by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2019, further solidifying his involvement in Florida's judicial system.

Legislative service

Alex Andrade was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018, representing District 2 at the age of 29. Since taking office, he has been reelected multiple times, including in 2020, 2022, and 2024. His tenure has been characterized by active participation in various legislative committees and leadership roles. As of 2023, Andrade serves as the Chair of the Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee and is a member of several other committees, including the Appropriations Committee, the Infrastructure Strategies Committee, and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission.

In 2020, Andrade was appointed as the Chair of the Santa Rosa County Legislative Delegation by the Santa Rosa County Legislative Delegation, a position he continues to hold. He was also nominated by State Senator Doug Broxson to serve as the Chair of the Escambia County Legislative Delegation in 2023. His leadership roles reflect his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents and addressing local issues.

Throughout his legislative career, Andrade has introduced and supported various bills addressing a range of topics. Notably, in 2020, he successfully advocated for the renaming of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in honor of General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Additionally, he introduced a bill aimed at reforming Florida's alimony litigation process, which laid the groundwork for similar legislation that was passed and signed into law in 2023.

Andrade has also been active in addressing public health issues. In 2021, he introduced legislation during a special session aimed at countering COVID-19 vaccine mandates imposed by the federal government. This bill sought to limit the government's authority to mandate vaccinations, reflecting his focus on individual rights and government accountability.

In 2023, Andrade introduced a controversial bill that sought to overhaul Florida's libel and defamation laws. This legislation proposed significant changes to how anonymous sources are treated in defamation cases and aimed to restrict the use of religious beliefs as evidence in discrimination lawsuits. The bill drew criticism from free speech advocacy groups, highlighting the contentious nature of some of his legislative initiatives.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of Florida's 2nd House District, which includes parts of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Andrade's policy focus has been shaped by the needs and concerns of his constituents. His legislative efforts reflect a commitment to infrastructure development, tourism, and public health, as well as a strong emphasis on individual rights and government accountability.

In 2023, Andrade introduced legislation aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from Florida public universities, arguing that such initiatives pose a threat to free speech on college campuses. This bill, which became law, underscores his focus on education policy and the intersection of social issues and governance.

Andrade's work has not gone unnoticed within the academic community. In 2023, he was recognized by the University of Florida Alumni Association as one of its "40 Gators Under 40," a distinction awarded to outstanding alumni under the age of 40 for their contributions to their fields and communities.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Andrade has been involved in significant investigations related to state funding and governance. In 2025, while serving as the chair of the Florida House's Healthcare Budget Subcommittee, he led an investigation into the transfer of Medicaid funds to the Hope Florida Foundation, which raised concerns about potential misuse of state resources. This investigation resulted in high-profile resignations and the initiation of a criminal inquiry, further demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability in government.

Overall, Alex Andrade's career in the Florida Legislature reflects a blend of legal expertise, public service, and a focus on issues pertinent to his district. His ongoing legislative efforts and leadership roles position him as a significant figure in Florida's political landscape.