FLEMING ISLAND – Sam Garrison doesn’t ask for a lot. But when he does, all the right people listen.

The Republican from Fleming Island not only got all of his requests for funding for Clay County, but he also did it in a manner that impressed other freshman representatives during the just-completed session.

Garrison was selected to be in line as Florida’s Speaker of the House, starting in 2026. Representatives are allowed to serve a maximum of four two-year terms, with each class picking its speaker.

“Obviously if we maintain a Republican majority and I’m fortunate to be re-elected three times, I would be designated Speaker of the House,” the Fleming Island attorney said.

Garrison was elected with 67% of the vote in 2020 to represent Florida’s 18th District after Travis Cummings served four terms.

Chris Sprowls (R-Palm Harbor) will continue as the current speaker through the end of the 2021 legislative term, and he’s likely to be followed by Rep. Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) and then by Rep. Daniel Perez (R-Miami). As long as the GOP maintain control of the house and current representatives win re-election, Garrison likely will take the gavel for the 2026-2027 terms.

Garrison is on track to be the first speaker from Clay County since Orange Park’s John Trasher served from 1998-2000.

Garrison said he remains focused on helping Clay County. Along with Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island), they managed to get legislation approved, as well as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature, to benefit several county projects.

Garrison and Bradley work in the same law office, Kopelousos, Bradley and Garrison, on Kingsley Avenue in Orange Park.

“We had a great session, both in terms of the policies that are in line with Clay County voters, but certainly, some of the appropriations we fought for and argued were priorities for the state like improving our Clay County Fairgrounds. We were able to get some resources to the fairgrounds, which was a big deal for us, obviously,” Garrison said. “We got some funding for Clay Behavioral, which is a big deal, for the people of this county. We have opportunities for additional trails and other outdoor recreation, so we’re very happy.”

While other bills were either voted down or slashed, Garrison said his bills were supported by the needs and financial accountability to his county, saying “We take our politics serious here.”

“Every representative and senator has their own process of the analysis they go through,” he said. “I look at it from the standpoint, No. 1, is this a appropriate use of state dollars? Is this something the state government should be doing? Is this the right source for the revenue to come from? Once you get through that threshold, is it a good investment for the taxpayers? Is it a benefit for the district as a whole, understanding that there’s a limited amount of funding that’s available and you want to make sure your asks are commensurate with the needs?

“I’m probably more on the conservative side of things. If I ask for it, I really want to champion it. Others take a shotgun approach, but if I make a request and put my name behind it, it’s something people know I’m serious about.”

And it’s something that other freshman Republicans noticed as well.