Biography
Jimmy Theo Patronis Jr. is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 1st congressional district since April 2, 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Patronis has held various public offices in Florida, including Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2025, member of the Florida Public Service Commission from 2015 to 2017, and representative of the 6th district in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014.
Born and raised in Panama City, Florida, Patronis is a fourth-generation Floridian of Greek descent. His family owns and operates Captain Anderson's, a historic seafood restaurant in Panama City Beach.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Associate Degree in Restaurant Management from Gulf Coast Community College
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Florida State University
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Political Experience:
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Florida Elections Commission: Appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1998 and reappointed by Governor Jeb Bush, serving until 2003.
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Florida House of Representatives: Elected in 2006, representing the 6th district, and served until 2014.
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Florida Public Service Commission: Appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2015, serving until 2017.
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Chief Financial Officer of Florida: Appointed in 2017 by Governor Rick Scott; elected to a full term in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Notable Achievements
Property Insurance Fraud Prevention: As CFO, Patronis established two fraud-fighting squads dedicated to combating property insurance fraud, resulting in over 140 cases and 21 arrests in their first year.
Unclaimed Property Returns: Under his leadership, the Division of Unclaimed Property returned more than $345 million to Floridians in 2022 alone.
Home Hardening Initiatives: Advocated for the Home Hardening Tax Exemption, a two-year, $462 million statewide sales tax exemption on impact-resistant home improvements, and launched the My Safe Florida Home program to help homeowners fortify their properties against storms.
Community Engagement: Played a pivotal role in establishing the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City, enhancing regional connectivity and economic development.
Personal Life
Patronis and his wife, Katie, have two sons, Jimmy Theo III and John Michael. He is an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a lifelong member of St. John's Greek Orthodox Church in Panama City.
Jimmy Patronis Wins Special Election for Florida's 1st Congressional District:
