Gov. Ron DeSantis is keeping Robert Spottswood Jr. on the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) Governing Board, reinforcing the Governor’s focus on water policy and Everglades restoration.
Spottswood, a longtime business leader and lawyer, currently serves as President of Spottswood Companies, Inc., Spottswood Management and Keystar Construction and is a partner at Spottswood & Sterling, PPLC.
In addition to his private-sector credentials, his résumé includes seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Board positions with the Nature Conservancy and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University.
The reappointment, which the Senate must confirm, keeps Spottswood in a role with significant influence over water and environmental policy affecting more than 9 million residents across 16 counties from Central Florida to the Keys. The SFWMD is entrusted with water supply planning, water quality protection and natural systems restoration — including key work on Everglades ecosystem restoration.
SFWMD’s responsibilities include partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Everglades and coastal restoration projects. It also works to balance periodic flood threats and water shortages — major issues in South Florida.
DeSantis’ pick comes as the agency continues to spotlight significant capital and restoration projects and weighs input from business, environmental and local government stakeholders. Board members wield considerable influence over budget priorities and policy direction, shaping efforts ranging from Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) implementation to flood-resilience strategies.
Spottswood’s term runs through March 2026. He represents areas spanning St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
