Florida Association of Counties names Rene Flowers president-elect

Pinellas County commissioner Rene Flowers became the Florida Association of Counties’ president-elect June 27. The president-elect is the second senior official of the association, under the president.  

A St. Petersburg native, Flowers represents District 7 (the St. Pete area). 

The Florida Association of Counties (FAC), based in Tallahassee, is a statewide organization that serves all of Florida. County commissioners throughout the state represent their specific counties within the association, while coming together to work on behalf of Florida residents. 

Commissioners who have joined the FAC organization speak to state senators or representatives and discuss what legislature may benefit a majority of counties, or which bills might not be as effective. 

A key aspect of the FAC’s platform is home rule, or the idea that local governments should be able to make decisions that support their communities. 

For Flowers, who has been involved with the FAC since 2020, the new role is an exciting challenge. 

“I do have a heavy responsibility,” Flowers told the Catalyst. “Working with the Florida Association of Counties means representing the issues and concerns for all 67 counties throughout the state of Florida, from rural communities to urban communities.” 

Main legislative issues she hopes to address include property taxes, affordable housing, economic development and homeowners’ insurance. 

Many counties have similar needs, she added. When county commissioners collaborate and create a common message, it can demonstrate to state legislators the urgency of the issue, Flowers believes. 

“As a whole, it just really helps us elevate the conversation,” she said. “It carries so much more weight.” 

“I’m not just talking from the Pinellas County perspective, I can go in and say we’ve discussed this and there are 66 other counties that have the same issue and so we’re all on the same page when it comes to possible solutions.”

If proposed bills may have adverse impacts in counties, the FAC can alert state senators and representatives as well. 

“Certainly, [we will continue] to share with the legislature that we want to partner with them,” Flowers said. 

“Let’s have conversations and communication so that we can share with you scientifically and factually what those impacts are, and then let’s come to the table and see if [we] can come up with a solution.” 

However, she continued, some counties do not have the same concerns. This is why she believes home rule is essential. 

“What looks good and what works for Pasco County isn’t necessarily what looks good and what works in Pinellas or Brevard or Okeechobee,” she said. 

Flowers has served on the FAC’s executive committee since 2023, and was its 1st vice president (senior) from 2024 to 2025, and 2nd Vice President (junior) from 2023 to 2024. 

She has sat on various FAC policy committees, including Community & Urban Affairs, Health, Safety & Justice, and Finance, Tax & Administration. 

Additionally, Flowers earned the FAC’s Advanced County Commissioner II designation.