Raised on a chicken farm in High Springs, Chuck Clemons is a fourth generation Floridian, living nearly his entire life in Alachua County. The Santa Fe High School graduate is a first generation college student. He earned his Associate’s Degree from Florida Gateway College and his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida, working two jobs to earn his way through college.
Chuck was elected in 2016 to the Florida House of Representatives, District 21, serving Dixie, Gilchrist, and part of Alachua County. During the 2021 Legislative Session, he served as the Deputy Majority Leader and Whip. His committees included; Public Integrity and Elections, Ways and Means, Rules, Pandemic and Public Emergencies and Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations.
In 2021, Clemons was named a Distinguished Advocate Award Recipient for leveling the playing field between out-of-state online retailers and local, brick-and-mortar businesses by closing the online sales tax loophole, while simultaneously preventing an immediate $713M tax resulting from the pandemic on job creators and cutting the Florida-only sales tax on commercial leases from 5.5% to 2%.
Chuck spent much of his career in private business as a Chartered Financial Consultant. He was self employed and worked with Koss-Olinger Financial Group for nearly 20 years assisting individuals and small businesses with their retirement, investments and insurance planning.
He was elected to the Alachua County Commission from 1996-2000. As a County Commissioner, he fought to keep taxes low by rolling back the millage rate. He was also instrumental in recruiting the Dollar General Distribution center to the City of Alachua.
In 2001, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as the State Director of USDA Rural Development overseeing a $2 billion portfolio with operations in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The agency’s mission is to create economic development and improve the quality of life for those living in rural communities. Clemons led efforts to streamline the agency, improve service, enhance program effectiveness, increase efficiency, and eliminate waste.
Chuck is currently the Vice President of Advancement and Communications for Santa Fe College, a position he has held since 2007. He has led the campaign efforts that raised more than $70 million for scholarships and program enhancements for endowed student scholarships.
Chuck served as past President of the Florida Council for Resource Development for the Florida College System and is currently a Board Member for the Florida State Fair Authority. He was also a Co-Founder and Board Member of Bikers on Parade for the U.S.A., which raised over $500,000 for the American Red
Cross and various veterans causes. Chuck previously served as Chairman for the North Central Florida American Red Cross, Vice Chairman of the Alachua County Library Board of Governors, Member of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, President of the Fightin’ Gators Touchdown Club, President of the Kiwanis Club of the University City, President of the Kiwanis Club Foundation, and Co Founder and President of the Alpha Gamma Rho Educational Foundation.
Chuck has received the Florida Farm Bureau Champion for Agriculture Award. The Champion for Agriculture award recognizes legislators for their leadership role in promoting and supporting agriculture in the state legislature and working to advance the interests of Florida’s farmers and ranchers.
Chuck has also received the Association of Counties County Champion Award. Chuck was recognized for his strong commitment and demonstrated support and understanding of county issues during the
legislative session, for strengthening public policy, and his dedication to improving and maintaining a high quality of life for all Floridians.
Chuck and his wife, Jane, live in Newberry, Florida, and have four children and three grandsons. They love to ride their Harley Davidson throughout the back roads of the southeast.
The Florida House Republican Campaign Committee endorses and urges you to vote for Paul Renner, Daniel Perez, and Charles “Chuck” Wesley Clemons Sr., Republicans, for State Representative. Paid by the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee, 1103 Hays St. Tallahassee, FL 32301. Approved by Paul Renner, Daniel Perez and Charles “Chuck” Wesley Clemons Sr.