Meet the HD 74 candidates: Les Nichols

Les Nichols is one of four Republicans running to succeed term-limited Rep. James Buchanan in House District 74.

The heavily Republican district covers the eastern portion of Sarasota County. Buchanan won re-election in 2024 with 64% of the vote.

Other candidates in the Republican Primary are Nick Pachota, Kelly Ann Walker and Jennifer Winkler. The winner will face Democrat Ryan Neill in November.

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

— Profession: After moving to Florida, I began a career in property management, an industry in which I have now worked for more than 26 years. Today, I serve as Division President for one of the nation’s largest community association management firms, overseeing operations throughout West Florida.

— Years in the district: Six years in the district, 14 years in West Florida and 26 years since I moved to Florida after completing my service in the United States Marine Corps.

— Education: While serving in the Marine Corps, I attended Coastal Carolina University for approximately three years.

— Community involvement: Since moving to Sarasota County, I have been honored to serve on several county boards and advisory committees, including the Sarasota Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Citizens Tax Oversight Committee, the Historical Commission, and the Health Facilities Authority and Industrial Development Revenue Bond Citizens Advisory Committee. Professionally, I am also actively involved with the Community Associations Institute (CAI), where I remain engaged with industry best practices and the continued advancement of community association management. In my spare time, I enjoy training in MMA and Muay Thai, reading history and classic literature, and, most importantly, spending quality time with my family. Whether we’re together at home or exploring everything Florida has to offer, my family remains the center of my life and my greatest source of inspiration.

— Why are you running? What are your top priorities if elected? I’m running because I believe Florida works best when we focus on freedom, opportunity, and accountable government. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and spending more than 26 years helping communities solve real-world problems through property management, I’ve learned that good leadership means listening, making informed decisions, and delivering results.

My top priorities are protecting Florida’s economy, reducing the cost of living, improving property insurance, strengthening public safety, defending constitutional rights, and ensuring state government operates efficiently while keeping taxes as low as possible.

— What are the biggest challenges facing this district, and what can you realistically do about them if elected? The biggest challenges facing District 74 are affordability, rising property insurance costs, traffic and infrastructure, and managing growth while preserving our quality of life.

As a state representative, I will focus on legislation that encourages more affordable housing options, continues insurance reform, invests in infrastructure before growth outpaces our roads and utilities, and ensures local governments are spending taxpayer dollars responsibly. I also want to reduce unnecessary regulations that increase costs for families and small businesses.

— What is one bill you would like to file next Session? One of the first bills I would like to file would focus on increasing transparency and accountability within homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominium associations. After spending more than 26 years in the community association management industry, I’ve seen firsthand where Florida law works well and where improvements can better protect homeowners.

My legislation would strengthen financial transparency, improve access to association records, reinforce fair election procedures, and increase accountability for boards and management while preserving local control. Homeowners deserve confidence that the communities they invest in are being governed openly, ethically, and responsibly.

Florida is home to millions of residents living in community associations, and I believe my professional experience provides a unique perspective to help modernize these laws while protecting property owners and supporting well-run communities.

I would also file legislation increasing transparency and accountability in local government by requiring greater public disclosure of financial decisions, contracts, and spending. Floridians deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and government should be accountable to the people it serves.

— 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? Government cannot solve inflation overnight, but it can stop making it worse. I support reducing unnecessary regulations that increase housing costs, maintaining Florida’s low-tax environment, expanding workforce housing opportunities, investing in infrastructure to reduce transportation costs, and continuing efforts to lower insurance premiums. We should also ensure utilities operate efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs being passed on to consumers.

— What additional steps should the Legislature take to lower premiums and improve the stability of Florida’s insurance market? The Legislature should continue attracting financially stable insurers to Florida while aggressively combating insurance fraud and assignment-of-benefits abuse. We also need to examine reinsurance costs, improve mitigation incentives for homeowners, and ensure Citizens Property Insurance remains a true insurer of last resort. Long-term stability comes from increasing competition while maintaining a fair and predictable regulatory environment.

— A majority of Floridians backed Amendments 3 and 4 in 2024, though neither reached 60% support. Should Florida loosen restrictions on abortion or legalize recreational marijuana? I support maintaining Florida’s protections for unborn children and ultimately support legislation that would establish a full prohibition on elective abortion in the state, while continuing to recognize exceptions consistent with existing law where required. I believe every life has inherent value and should be protected.

Regarding recreational marijuana, I do not support broad legalization. I believe Florida should continue to prioritize public safety, responsible regulation, and access to medical marijuana for qualified patients under the state’s existing framework rather than expanding to recreational use.

— 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? Data centers are an important part of Florida’s economic future, but they should be located responsibly. They belong in areas where infrastructure, water availability, power capacity, and local planning support them — not where they negatively impact established neighborhoods or sensitive environmental areas. Florida should compete for high-quality technology investment while protecting communities and natural resources.

— Will you vote in favor of Amendment 3 in November? If it passes, what (if anything) should the Legislature do to help municipalities reeling from the loss of ad valorem revenue? I support Amendment 3 because I believe homeowners deserve meaningful property tax relief. If it passes, the Legislature should work with local governments to identify efficiencies, eliminate waste, and prioritize essential services before considering new revenue sources. Local governments should demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

— Sarasota County has faced concerns over water quality, red tide and environmental impacts from growth. What role should the state play in protecting Florida’s coastline and natural resources? Florida’s environment is one of our greatest assets. The state should continue investing in water quality improvements, wastewater infrastructure, stormwater management, and scientific research related to red tide. We must hold polluters accountable while ensuring that growth is accompanied by responsible infrastructure planning. Environmental protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive — they should work together.

— Is the GOP majority in the Legislature focused on the right priorities? Is there anything you disagree with your party on? Overall, I believe the Republican majority has helped make Florida a national leader in economic growth, public safety, and individual freedom. Like any large organization, there is always room for improvement. I believe we should place even greater emphasis on affordability, insurance reform, infrastructure planning, and government accountability. My commitment is not to partisan politics but to representing the people of District 74 with honesty, transparency, and common-sense leadership.