
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.
Amid a critical 9,000-person teacher shortage, Florida ranks 48th in the nation for teacher pay, despite a recent increase in starting salaries. To address this crisis, substantial salary improvements are needed, especially for veteran teachers and K-12 paraprofessionals, many of whom earn less than $25,000 annually.
Increasing Veteran Teacher Pay
Carlos successfully led a campaign against the Sustanee megadevelopment, a proposal for 2,400 homes that threatened the rural character and environment of East Orange and Seminole. His efforts in community organizing and lobbying local government resulted in the developer withdrawing their application, underscoring his commitment to preserve the local community against future threats.