Lawrence McClure credits Daniel Perez for restoring House in his farewell remarks

In his emotional goodbye on the House floor, Rep. Lawrence McClure said history books will remember House Speaker Daniel Perez for restoring the Florida House of Representatives.

“The legacy of most presiding officers is roads or buildings being named after you, budget priorities or policy initiatives — none of that will be your legacy,” McClure said to Perez Wednesday. “It will be instead that you just stared this whole place, this whole process in the eye and challenged it to be better every single day. And I know you’re tired, but I sure hope you’re fulfilled.

“Your legacy is going to be greater than any project or piece of policy. It will be the restoration of the Florida House of Representatives.”

McClure credited Perez for  supporting a member-driven bill process and allowing lawmakers debate. Over the past two Sessions, the House has pushed back, often clashing with Gov. Ron DeSantis fighting for his own agenda. The House and DeSantis have been at odds on everything from immigration, Hope Florida, artificial intelligence regulation and more. 

The term-limited McClure is leaving the state House, ending a long tenure where he was first elected in 2017 and rose to become an influential lawmaker, leading the House Budget Committee.

“It has been truly an honor to serve you here and represent your ideas and vision for this state,” the Dover Republican said as he thanked staff and other lawmakers who helped him along the way. “I’ve intersected or  worked with just about every staff member in this building over my time here. And I’m still in awe of how capable and dedicated you are. … The House staff, I believe, is the best in the world.”

McClure also paid homage to his family. 

His mother, a public school teacher, taught him to give people a chance. 

His father was “the most direct and brutally honest person I’ve ever met in my life,” McClure said. “I never told you this before, but you’re my hero.”

And McClure also gave love to his wife, Courtney.

Their first-ever date was to see the lengthy “Abraham Lincoln” movie — which he loved and put her to sleep.

Now, the couple is married with two daughters. His spouse often gave practical advice and assured him everything would be OK during the hard, long days of Session.

McClure alluded to his life after his House term ends, saying he was ready for dance parties on the way to school and snuggling on the couch when his children woke up.

“I love you so much. Thank you for everything,” he said.