Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) was unanimously elected to serve as Florida’s next Senate president for the 2026-2028 term before a crowd of his colleagues in the upper chamber this week.

“I stand before you deeply humbled. To be designated as the next president of the Florida Senate is an honor beyond measure,” Boyd said. “It is not a responsibility that I will take lightly. I am profoundly grateful for the trust that you have placed in me.”

Sen. Boyd takes over for Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), who was in attendance alongside members of the Senate. Gov. Ron DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia were also present at the ceremony.

The new Senate president, who was designated back in August, thanked his predecessor for the nomination.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to President Ben Albritton. His steady hand, his wisdom, his faith – have guided this chamber,” Boyd said. “You have guided this chamber with strength and grace. “

In his acceptance speech, Boyd laid out his hopes for the state’s upcoming legislative session, which begins on Jan. 13.

“My vision is a Florida where every family has a chance to prosper,” Boyd said. “A Florida where families feel safe in their neighborhood. Where parents know their voices matter, and where every child can pursue an education that prepares them for the future.”

“A Florida where businesses grow, innovators thrive, and hard work is rewarded,” Boyd continued. “A Florida where our natural treasures from the Everglades to our rivers and coasts are protected, restored, and cherished, for they are the lifeblood of both our economy and our heritage.”

He also vowed to keep Florida a “beacon of freedom and opportunity,” while promising to lead with principle heading into the new legislative term.

“We will defend the taxpayer to ensure every dollar is used wisely. We will break down barriers for job creators and innovators,” Boyd said. “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 added.

Boyd served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 before being elected to the Senate in 2020. He is also a small business owner through his family run Boyd Insurance and Investments.

Sen. Albritton, who spoke ahead of Boyd, praised his longtime friend on his new leadership position. The former has served as Senate president since 2024.

“Your words to me have helped shape me, your encouragement has helped sustain me, and your wisdom has helped inform me,” Albritton said. “You’ve shown me your humility, your great humor, your excellent people skills, and your dedication for doing the right thing for the right reasons.

Sen. Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) also congratulated Boyd on his nomination.

“Jim is a man of integrity, strength, and steady leadership — the kind of person who makes everyone around him better,” Trumbull said. “Florida couldn’t ask for a finer leader or a better friend.”

Couldn’t be prouder of my friend @JimBoydFL on today’s designation as Florida Senate President for the 2026–28 term. Jim is a man of integrity, strength, and steady leadership — the kind of person who makes everyone around him better. Florida couldn’t ask for a finer leader or a… pic.twitter.com/qPTI16orer

— Jay Trumbull Jr. (@jaytrumbull) October 14, 2025

Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) added, “Jim embodies what it means to be a great Floridian — hardworking, principled, and deeply committed to serving others. “I can’t think of anyone better to lead our chamber into the future.”

Boyd graduated from Florida State University in 1978. He currently lives with his wife of over 40 years, Sandy, in Bradenton.