Representative  Ron Saunders Minority Leader
(2010 - 2012)

District 120
Democrat

• View Original House members listen to debate on the Senate-approved redistricting map considered on the House floor during special session of the Legislature Tuesday, March 27, 2012, in Tallahassee, Florida. The redistricting measure was later approved by the House. Shown seated from the left are Reprentatives: Dwight Bullard, D-Miami; Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg; Ron Saunders, D-Tavernier; James Waldman, D-Coconut Creek; and Evan Jenne, D-Fort Lauderdale.
• View Original From the left, House Minority Leader Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Key West, offers debate as Rep. James W. "Jim" Waldman, D-Coconut Creek, listens during consideration of the Senate's approved redistricting measure, March 27, 2012.
• View Original Minority Leader Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Tavernier, offers opposing argument during House floor debate on the Supreme Court division resolution, HJR 711, Friday, April 15, 2011. The joint resolution, later approved, proposes amending the constitution to divide the current Supreme Court into two divisions.
• View Original Minority Leader Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Tavernier, offers opposing remarks to the House budget Thursday, April 7, 2011.
• View Original Democratic Leader Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Tavernier, offers opposition debate on the House Medicaid Reform proposal, later approved, Thursday, March 31, 2011.
• View Original Democratic leader Ron Saunders, D-Taverneier, offers opposition debate to the Paycheck Protection Bill, HB 1021, March 25, 2011, in Tallahassee, Florida. The measure, later approved by the House, prohibits an automatic withdrawal of funds from a public employees’ paycheck for union dues and purposes of political activity.

Member Information

Biographical Information

City of Residence:  Key West

Occupation:  Attorney

Spouse:  Melodie Saunders

Child(ren):  Ryan

Education:  University of Florida, B.S., magna cum laude, 1976, J.D., 1979, Florida Regents Scholar, National Merit Scholar, Florida Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary, UF basketball, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, University of Florida Hall of Fame

Born:  October 30, 1954, Key West, FL

History:  Jack A. Saunders, father, House of Representatives from Monroe County 1960-1964, Criminal Court Judge 1968-1971, and U.S. Magistrate 1978-1981

Religious Affiliation:  Episcopal

Recreational Interest:  basketball, diving, racquetball

Committee Membership

Appropriations Committee

Legislative Service

House of Representatives 1986-1994

Elected to the House in 2006, reelected subsequently

Appropriations Committee Chair 1990-1992

Community Affairs Committee Chair 1992-1994

Other Public Service

Florida Keys Community College Board of Trustees, Chairman 1983-1986

Florida Tax & Budget Reform Commission 1991-1992

Affiliations

Mensa

Leadership Florida

Key West Jaycees President

Elks Lodge #551 Exalted Ruler

Key West Rotary Club Director

Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section Board of Governors

Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust President

Leadership Monroe County

Highlights

Fifth Generation Key Wester

The Miami Herald poll's Most Effective House member 1991 and 1992

Secretary of State's Legislative Arts Recognition Award

Florida Jaycees Outstanding Young Floridian

Outstanding Young Men of America

Florida Jaycees Outstanding Chapter President

Jaycees International (JCI) Senator

Florida League of Cities Quality Floridian

Florida League of Conservation Voters Gold Star

Florida Audubon Society Legislative Excellence Award

Florida Sierra Club Legislative Award

Florida Conservation Association Legislative Award

Organized Fishermen of Florida Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award

Florida Network for Youth and Family Services Outstanding Legislator Award

Florida Association of School Administrators Raymond B. Stewart Gavel of Authority Award

Leadership Florida Outstanding Alumnus Award

Florida Association of Community Colleges Legislative Award

Florida School Board Administrators "67" Award

Florida Chamber of Commerce Honor Roll

Green Living Achievement Award

American Cancer Society Legislative Award

Florida Monthly Best Legislator of the Year