About Dennis

Dennis Baxley has spent his entire adult life fighting for the strong conservative values we all believe. As a husband, father, small businessman and former Speaker Pro Tem of the Florida House of Representatives, Dennis has earned a reputation for standing by his convictions and fighting for what is right.

As Florida continues to feel the impact of the national economic downturn, Dennis seeks to return to public service to help our community and our state get back on its feet. With the experience of creating jobs in his family-operated business, Dennis has the right experience in developing policies that frees the private sector from the burden of government interference, allowing them to put people back to work.

Dennis’ commitment to serving his fellow Floridians, helped him rise to the position of Speaker Pro Tem, the number two leadership position in the Florida House.

His experience, commitment to public service and strong values make him the ideal candidate to represent District 24 in the Florida House of Representatives.

BIOGRAPHY:

Personal
» Born August 22, 1952
» Married to Ginette Baxley since 1972
» Children: Micah, Justin, Damon, Jeffrey and Renee
» Grandchildren: Jacob, Joshua, Kate Lynn, Katherine, Hazel, Makayla and Martha

Professional
» Vice-President/Partner, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, the oldest continuously operating business in Marion County – est. 1885.
» Independent Funeral Directors of Florida
» Founding Chairman of the First Avenue National Bank, Ocala

Religious Affiliation
» First Baptist Church, Belleview, FL

Legislative Committee Appointments
» Chairman, Education Council
» Education Appropriations Committee
» Judiciary Committee
» Rules and Calendar Council

Education
» Graduated 1970, Mainland High School, Daytona Beach
» Graduated 1972, Central Florida Community College (A.A.)
» Graduated 1974, Florida State University (B.A. Sociology/Psychology)
» Graduated 1975, Miami-Dade Community College Funeral Service Program (A.S.)

Awards
» August 1989 Florida Jaycees – Outstanding Young Religious Leader
» 1991 Jr. Women’s Club of Ocala – “Family of the Year”
» 1996 Belleview-South Marion Chamber of Commerce – “Humanitarian of the Year”
» 1999 College Park Kiwanis – George Albright, Jr. Award for Outstanding Leadership
» 2001 R. David Thomas Child Advocate Award
» 2002 Rev. Joseph Connor Pro-Life Lifesaver Award
» 2003 The Florida Association of District Instructional Materials Administrators
» Award for Outstanding Recognition of Instructional Materials
» 2004 Florida Leaders of Career and Technical Education – Robert B. Crawford
» Charter President’s Annual Award
» 2004 Keiser College – Leadership in Education and Support for Children Award
» 2004 National Rifle Association of America – Defender of Freedom Award
» 2005 Flagler College Honorary Doctor of Laws
» 2005 and 2006 Florida Chamber of Commerce – “A” Honor Roll for Outstanding Commitment to Principles of Free Enterprise
» Associated Industries of Florida – 100% rating (2005), 99% rating (2006)
» 2005 and 2006 Christian Coalition of Florida – Faith and Family Award
» 2006 Independent Colleges and Universities – “Guardian of Independent Education Champion of the Year”

2005 and 2006 Legislative Highlights
» Sponsored House Bill 701, which provided for the protection of any person, no matter how severe their handicap
» Sponsored House Bill 249, which expands individual rights for protection of self and property
» Sponsored House Bill 837, which expands academic freedom for students and faculty in postsecondary education
» Formed the first ever “Vision Caucus” in the Florida Legislature, sponsored House Bill 281 which establishes the “A State of Vision” license plate in Florida to raise funds for agencies that provide direct-support services to Florida’s visually impaired
» Sponsored House Bill 1029, which eliminated the prohibition on firearms in national forests and state parks