Meet the HD 102 candidates: Jason Smith

In House District 102, Republican Jason Smith is competing in a Republican Primary against Mery Lopez-Palma in an effort to flip a seat currently held by term-limited Democratic Rep. Michael Gottlieb.

Gottlieb won re-election in 2024 with 53% of the vote, defeating Lopez-Palma. The inland Broward County district includes Davie, Plantation and Sunrise.

The GOP nominee will face either Jayden D’Onofrio or Mike Friend, who are competing in the Democratic Primary.

Florida Politics asked candidates to answer a few questions. We are publishing their responses unedited so voters can hear directly from candidates. Here’s what Smith told us:

— Profession: For more than two decades, I have served in Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services while also building businesses focused on education, consulting, and medical and non-medical products.

— Education: I have a background in public safety, higher education leadership, and professional training, including serving as an Assistant Dean and developing educational programs throughout my career. My degree is in Emergency Management.

— Years in the district: More than 20 years.

— Community involvement: I have proudly served our community for more than two decades through Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services and currently serve as a Cooper City Commissioner. I have volunteered on the education advisory board, supported youth and education initiatives, and remain active in community events throughout the district. My wife and I have raised our two daughters here, and I am deeply invested in protecting the quality of life that makes our community special. My faith, public service, and commitment to helping others continue to shape my approach to leadership.

— Why are you running? What are your top priorities if elected? I am running because I believe government should focus on serving people rather than politics. Throughout my career as a firefighter, paramedic, business owner, and local elected official, I have learned that leadership means solving problems, building consensus, and putting service above self. My priorities include improving affordability, strengthening public safety and disaster preparedness, supporting parents and students through educational choice, protecting our environment and waterways, growing our local economy, and ensuring state government remains accountable to taxpayers.

— What are the biggest challenges facing this district, and what can you realistically do about them if elected? Affordability continues to be the biggest challenge facing families in District 102. Rising insurance costs, housing costs, and everyday expenses are putting pressure on working families and seniors. As a state representative, I will work to strengthen Florida’s insurance market, reduce unnecessary regulations that increase costs, support workforce housing solutions, improve transportation infrastructure, and advocate for responsible budgeting that keeps taxes low while investing in essential services.

— What is one bill you would like to file next Session? I would like to file legislation strengthening the preparation for A.I. to use within the school system from grades K-12. This would allow age specific usage which is extremely important.

— Do you think the GOP majority in the Legislature is focused on the right priorities? Is there anything on which you disagree with your party? Florida has made meaningful progress on issues like economic growth, parental rights, and fiscal responsibility. At the same time, I believe affordability deserves even greater attention. Government should always evaluate whether its policies are making life easier or harder for working families. My focus will always be on practical solutions rather than partisan politics. When legislation benefits the people of District 102, I will support it. If it does not, I will advocate for improvements regardless of where the proposal originates.

— The cost of groceries, gas, housing and utilities is top of mind for voters right now. What specific policies do you propose to make life more affordable for constituents? Florida cannot control every aspect of inflation, but state government can reduce the cost of living by continuing responsible tax relief; increasing housing supply through smart planning and streamlined permitting; improving competition in the property insurance market; investing in infrastructure that reduces congestion and business costs; eliminating unnecessary regulations that increase consumer prices; and maintaining disciplined budgeting to avoid future tax increases.

— What additional steps should the Legislature take to lower premiums and improve the stability of Florida’s insurance market? We should continue efforts to eliminate fraud, encourage additional insurance carriers to enter Florida, strengthen the financial stability of insurers, and improve transparency in rate filings. We should also invest in mitigation programs that help homeowners harden their properties against storms, reducing both claims and long-term premiums.

— Many counties have recently enacted data center bans and moratoriums, but our use of AI tools continues to grow. Is there a place for data centers anywhere in Florida, or should other states host the infrastructure that powers AI? Florida should remain competitive in technology and innovation. Data centers are an important part of modern infrastructure, but they should be located responsibly. Site selection should consider energy availability, water usage, environmental impacts, transportation access, and compatibility with surrounding communities. We can support technological growth while protecting neighborhoods and natural resources through thoughtful planning.

— Do you plan to vote for Amendment 3 this November? If it passes, what (if anything) should the Legislature do to help counties and municipalities reeling from the loss of ad valorem revenue? I believe any constitutional amendment deserves careful evaluation based on its long-term impacts on taxpayers and local governments. If Amendment 3 is approved by voters, the Legislature should work collaboratively with local governments to ensure they can continue providing essential public safety, infrastructure, and community services while respecting the will of the voters. Any implementation should emphasize fiscal responsibility, transparency, and minimizing unintended consequences.

— Broward County continues to face an affordable housing shortage. What policies would you support to make housing more attainable for working families without unfairly burdening existing homeowners? We need to increase housing opportunities while protecting existing neighborhoods. That means encouraging workforce housing where appropriate, streamlining permitting, supporting infrastructure improvements, and partnering with local governments and the private sector to increase supply. We should also reduce unnecessary regulatory costs that drive up housing prices while ensuring growth remains compatible with community character.

— Anything else you want voters to know about you? I have spent my career serving others, first as a firefighter and paramedic, then as a business owner and educator, and now as a Cooper City Commissioner. Public service is not a stepping stone for me; it is a calling. My wife and I have raised our family in District 102 because we love this community. If elected, I will bring the same leadership, accessibility, and commitment to service that have guided me throughout my career. My goal is simple: to make sure Tallahassee works for the people of District 102, not the other way around.