Ronald L. Book

Mr. Book is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ronald L. Book, P.A.  Since founding the firm in 1987, Ron has developed a client list that is a “who’s who” of business and industry, local governments, health care and not-for-profit associations.  His reputation as a hard worker, dedicated to his client’s causes, has earned him a place in the upper echelon of Tallahassee power.  Associates, clients and lawmakers describe Ron Book and his firm as committed, tenacious, knowledgeable and credible.

It is difficult to narrow Mr. Book’s areas of expertise to a simple few.  From sports and economic development to affordable housing to environmental remediation to social services, transportation, growth management, health care, seaports and aviation — if it is an issue that you have read about, Mr. Book has been at the center of the debate, influencing the decisions of policymakers for the past 4 decades.

For more than 30 years, his firm has led the government affairs industry in Florida, specializing in the appropriations process, responsible for literally, billions in grants, programs and earmarks to various projects and causes.  An innovator in local government representations, the firm counts dozens of cities, counties and government entities as clients.  The result of his innovation in this practice area is that the firm’s relationships and influence extend well beyond the halls of the state Capitol and deep into City and County governments, north to south and coast to coast.  It is why the firm is one of the few that offers first tier state legislative representation along with a robust and extensive local government practice.

Ron’s history in the Florida political process began in the 1970’s, when he began working for the Florida Legislature.  He later served as Special Counsel and head of Legislative Affairs for Florida Governor Bob Graham and later, as Director of the Administrative and Governmental Law Department for Miami-based Sparber, Shevin, Shapo, Heilbronner & Book, one of Florida’s most influential law firms from 1977 to 1987.  His knowledge of Florida politics and its players is rooted in his work in several statewide gubernatorial, cabinet level and referendum campaigns – from “Five for Florida’s Future” in 1980 to the two campaigns that ultimately authorized gaming at Florida’s pari-mutuel facilities in 2004 and 2008.

In addition to his work on lobbying matters, Ron also provides general consulting services for many businesses, in both long-established and growing industries, including navigating complex regulatory matters, business development and strategic planning.  To provide this guidance, he draws on his vast network of relationships, which range from current and former elected officials at all levels of government as well as business leaders in a wide range of industries.

Dedicated to community causes, Ron has served on dozens of charitable boards, including the Mourning Family Foundation, Best Buddies and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, to name a few.  He also serves as Chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, where he has been a member for more than 25 years, first appointed by Mayor Alex Penelas and subsequently reappointed numerous times. The Trust administers a budget of over $66 million in funds and oversees Miami-Dade County’s effort to end homelessness in the community.  Under his leadership, the Trust has been recognized numerous times as a national best practice model, and was proud to host HUD Secretary Ben Carson, last year, when the Trust was among the first in the country to announce and end to Veteran’s homelessness in our community.

In addition to his work at the Trust, Ron serves as Chairman of the Board for the Lauren’s Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit entity he founded with his daughter, Florida State Senator Lauren Book.  The Lauren’s Kids Foundation is dedicated to ending childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness and helping survivors heal with guidance and support.  The foundation educates adults and children about sexual abuse prevention through in-school curricula that is currently offered in over 90,000 classrooms nationwide.  They also engage with the community through various awareness campaigns and speaking engagements around the country and the world.

Ron holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Tulane University and a B.A. in Political Science from Florida International University. He is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar.  He is a registered lobbyist and a member of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists (FAPL).