History of Will Weatherford in Timeline

Will Weatherford is an American politician who served as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014. He represented the 61st and later the 38th District. Notably, he became the Speaker of the Florida House during his final term, making him the youngest person to hold such a position in any state legislature in the U.S. at that time. His political career is marked by his leadership role within the Florida House.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 14, 1979: Will Weatherford's Birth

On November 14, 1979, Will Weatherford was born.

Others born on this day/year

1986: Moved to Florida

In 1986, Will Weatherford moved to the state of Florida from Dallas, Texas.

2002: Graduated from Jacksonville University

In 2002, Will Weatherford graduated from Jacksonville University with a degree in business.

2006: Elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2006, Will Weatherford was elected as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives for the 61st District, after Ken Littlefield resigned. He defeated Donovan Brown in the election.

2008: Unopposed for Re-election

In 2008, Will Weatherford was unopposed for re-election to the Florida House of Representatives.

2010: Re-elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2010, Will Weatherford was re-elected to the Florida House of Representatives after winning the Republican primary against Kevin Wright and defeating Elena McCullough in the general election.

November 20, 2012: Sworn in as Speaker of the Florida House

On November 20, 2012, Will Weatherford was sworn in as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

2012: Elected to represent the 38th District

In 2012, Will Weatherford was elected to represent the 38th District in the Florida House of Representatives, which included eastern Pasco County.

2013: Overhauling retirement plan for public employees

In 2013, Weatherford made overhauling the retirement plan for public employees in Florida a major legislative priority, though he was ultimately unsuccessful.

2013: Led opposition to Medicaid expansion

In 2013, Will Weatherford led the opposition to the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The Florida House offered an alternative to provide private health insurance to over 500,000 Floridians without federal dollars. The legislative session concluded with the approval of priorities outlined in "Work Plan Florida."

2014: End of legislative session as Speaker

In 2014, Weatherford concluded his legislative session as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

2014: Unsuccessful Pursuit of Public Employee Retirement Plan Overhaul

In 2014, Weatherford continued to pursue overhauling the retirement plan for public employees in Florida, but was again unsuccessful.

2014: Joint Legislative Agenda and Gambling Expansion Proposal

In 2014, Weatherford supported a proposal to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would allow voters to decide on the expansion of gambling in Florida, expressing concerns about the ongoing expansion of gaming in the state.

2014: End of Term in Florida House of Representatives

In 2014, Will Weatherford's final term in the Florida House of Representatives came to an end. During this term, he served as the Speaker of the House.