Join Carlos' team and sign up for the latest updates.
Meet
Carlos Guillermo Smith
Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith is a proven fighter for Florida families and students. A respected civil rights leader, Carlos is an alumnus of the University of Central Florida who proudly identifies as a LGBTQ, Latino and forward thinking millennial who prioritizes people over politics.
Increasing Veteran Teacher Pay
Florida is currently facing a 9,000 person teacher shortage crisis. The average Florida public school teacher only makes about $51,000 annually, while our state ranks 48th in teacher compensation nationwide. While Florida has recently increased starting teacher salaries, our veteran teachers have been left behind and nearly half of all K-12 paraprofessionals make less than $25,000 per year. We’ve got to pay our veteran teachers and support staff better if we’re going to recruit and retain them.
Protecting our Rural Boundary and Supporting Smart Growth
Carlos has consistently stood up against developers who attempt to bring UN-affordable housing and megadevelopments in violation of our rural boundary. Recently, he proudly helped lead the charge against Sustanee (Lake Pickett North), a 2,400 home megadevelopment that would have worsened traffic, hurt the environment and changed East Orange and Seminole’s rural character. Carlos worked with local groups, organized HD 37 residents, spoke out at public meetings, and pushed local government to oppose it. As a result, the developer withdrew their application! They’ll be back and we’ll keep fighting them.
