Bruce Smathers
| Bruce Smathers | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 18th Secretary of State of Florida | |
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In office January 7, 1975 – July 19, 1978 |
|
| Governor | Reubin Askew |
| Preceded by | Dorothy Glisson |
| Succeeded by | Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. |
| Member of the Florida Senate from the 9th District |
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In office November 7, 1972 – November 5, 1974 |
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| Preceded by | Redistricted |
| Succeeded by | Mattox Hair |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
October 3, 1943 Miami, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater |
Yale University University of Florida |
| Profession | Lawyer, Investor |
Bruce Armistead Smathers (born October 3, 1943) is a retired Democratic politician from Florida. He served as the 18th Secretary of State of Florida from 1975 to 1978.
Smathers began his political career in 1972, when he was elected to the Florida Senate from the 9th District, representing most of Duval County.
In 1974, he was elected Secretary of State. Once in office, Smathers reformed election laws, modernized the Division of Corporations, became involved in the "" treasure dispute, expanded support for cultural affairs, and was best known as leader of the successful effort to preserve Florida's Old Capitol (1845–1978). At the time he took office, he was the youngest member of the Florida Cabinet in the twentieth century.
In July 1978, Smathers resigned to campaign for governor. He lost in the Democratic primary to Bob Graham.
He is the younger son of George Smathers, former Congressman and U.S. Senator for Florida. After attending the St. Alban's School, Smathers earned an undergraduate degree in Economics from Yale University (with honors) and a law degree from University of Florida (Florida Blue Key and Florida Law Review). A NROTC graduate, he joined Underwater Demolition Team Eleven, served with Naval Special Warfare Pacific, and was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. After his political career, he combined law with lobbying, running family orange and automobile businesses, and became a successful investor serving on various private and charitable boards.
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