Ben Butler For Congress Makes Stop In the Friendly City.
Florida's agricultural community faces unique challenges as the state grows and changes. With new congressional districts reshaping political representation, the need for a dedicated advocate who understands farming, rural life, and environmental stewardship has never been greater. Meet Benjamin "Ben" Butler, a lifelong Floridian and agricultural leader, recently stopped by Frostproof to connect with local residents and share his vision for Florida’s future. His deep roots in farming and public service position him as a strong candidate to represent Florida’s farmers and rural communities in Congress.
A Lifelong Commitment to Florida Agriculture
Ben Butler’s story begins in Central Florida, where he grew up working on Butler Oaks Farm, a family-owned dairy and cattle operation that has been in his family for nine generations. This hands-on experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the hard work, dedication, and challenges involved in running a successful agricultural business. Managing employees, balancing budgets, and navigating complex regulations are part of his daily reality.
His background is not just about farming but also about leadership. Ben has served in key roles with the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida FFA Foundation, Southeast Milk Inc., and Newtrient. These positions allowed him to advocate for farmers at the state and regional levels, helping to shape policies that support sustainable agriculture and rural economies.
Stewardship of Florida’s Natural Resources
In 2019, Governor DeSantis appointed Ben to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, a role he has held through multiple terms. This board oversees critical projects such as Everglades restoration, flood protection, and water supply management. Ben’s work here reflects his commitment to protecting Florida’s natural resources while supporting agricultural needs.
Water management is a vital issue for Florida farmers, especially in South Florida where water supply and quality directly impact crop production and livestock health. Ben’s experience on the board means he understands the balance needed between environmental protection and agricultural productivity.
Investing in Future Generations
Ben Butler’s dedication extends beyond farming and environmental stewardship. As a former Florida FFA State President, he has long championed youth development and leadership in agriculture. He believes that investing in young people is essential to the future of Florida’s rural communities.
His wife, April, shares this commitment. A former law enforcement professional and FSU graduate, April volunteers with 4-H, FFA Alumni, and supports dairy shows at the South Florida Fair. Their daughter Hannah actively participates in FFA and 4-H, raising registered dairy and beef heifers, and engages in school clubs focused on faith and leadership.
This family involvement highlights the importance of nurturing the next generation of farmers and community leaders. Ben’s campaign emphasizes policies that support agricultural education, rural development, and youth programs.
Addressing the Challenges of New Districts
Florida’s congressional districts have recently been redrawn, creating larger and more complex areas. The current representative, Scott Franklin, will no longer serve due to the district’s expanded size stretching from Vero Beach. This change opens the door for new leadership that can focus more closely on the specific needs of Florida’s agricultural heartland.
Ben Butler’s local roots and extensive experience make him well-suited to represent this diverse and vital region. He understands the importance of accessible representation and plans to prioritize the concerns of farmers, rural families, and small businesses.
What Ben Butler Brings to Congress. Florida’s congressional district lines are changing, and our region will soon be represented by a new member of Congress — meaning we will no longer have Scott Franklin. The new district stretches from Vero Beach to Frostproof, and then all the way down to Okeechobee, bringing together communities with shared priorities around agriculture, water, and growth.
Practical agricultural knowledge: Years of managing a family farm give Ben real-world insight into the challenges farmers face.
Leadership in water management: His role on the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board equips him to address water issues critical to agriculture and the environment.
Commitment to youth and rural communities: Ben’s work with FFA and 4-H shows his dedication to building strong futures for Florida’s young people.
Focus on local needs: Unlike representatives of sprawling districts, Ben aims to provide focused, responsive leadership for Florida’s agricultural regions.
How Ben Butler’s Vision Benefits Florida
Ben Butler’s campaign is about more than just agriculture. It’s about preserving Florida’s heritage, supporting families who work the land, and ensuring that rural communities thrive in a changing world. His approach combines respect for tradition with practical solutions for today’s challenges.
For example, Ben supports policies that:
Improve access to affordable water for farms
Promote sustainable farming practices that protect the environment
Expand educational opportunities in agriculture and natural resource management
Strengthen rural infrastructure and healthcare access
These priorities reflect the needs of many Floridians who depend on farming and natural resources for their livelihoods.
Join the Movement for Florida’s Future
As Florida’s districts change, the opportunity to elect leaders who truly understand local communities grows. Ben Butler offers a fresh voice grounded in experience, faith, and service. His visit to Frostproof was a chance for residents to hear directly from a candidate who shares their values and vision.
Supporting Ben means supporting Florida’s farmers, families, and future generations. It means choosing leadership that listens, acts, and stands up for the heart of Florida.
Florida’s congressional district lines are changing, and our region will soon be represented by a new member of Congress — meaning we will no longer have Scott Franklin. The new district stretches from Vero Beach to Frostproof, and then all the way down to Okeechobee, bringing together communities with shared priorities around agriculture, water, and growth.
Endorsements
Sheriffs
- Sheriff Paul Blackman – Highlands County
- Sheriff David Hardin – Glades County
- Sheriff Noel Stephen – Okeechobee County
- Sheriff Eric Flowers – Indian River County
City of Okeechobee
- Dowling Watford, Jr. – Mayor
- Monica Clark – Vice Mayor
- Noel Chandler – Council Member
- Bob Jarriel – Council Member
- David McAuley – Council Member
Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners
- David Hazellief – Chair, Commissioner
- Terry Burroughs – 1st Vice Chair, Commissioner
- Bradley Goodbread – 2nd Vice Chair, Commissioner
- Frank DeCarlo – Commissioner
- Michael Sumner – Commissioner
Okeechobee County School Board
- Jill Holcomb – Board Chair, District 5
- Christine Bishop – Vice Chair, District 1
- Malissa Morgan – Board Member, District 2
- Melisa Jahner – Board Member, District 3
- Amanda Riedel – Board Member, District 4
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
- Chris Campbell – Vice Chair, Commissioner
- Arlene Tuck – Commissioner
- Scott Kirouac – Commissioner
- Kevin Roberts – Commissioner
Property Appraisers
- Mickey Bandi – Okeechobee County
- Wesley Davis – Indian River County
- Raymond Mcintrye – Highlands County
Polk County School Board
- Justin Sharpless – Chair
Agricultural and Business Leaders
- Avery C. Roberts – Founder and CEO of The Roberts Companies
- C. Austen Roberts – Company President of The Roberts Companies
- Jimmy Bielling – Past President of the Florida Forestry Association
Former Elected Officials
- Denise Grimsley – Former Florida State Senator and Former Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee
- Dr. Cary Pigman – Physician and Former State Representative
Activists
- Brandon Ludwig – Chair, Florida Young Republicans and Keystone Heights City Councilman
What Ben believes
Ben Butler supports a secure border, lowering costs and fighting inflation, protecting Florida water and agriculture, and defending the Second Amendment, among other priorities.
To learn more, visit butlerforflorida.com.
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