Felicia Robinson Elected Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus
Rep. Felicia Robinson has been elected to lead the Florida Legislative Black Caucus (FLBC) for the 2026-28 term, succeeding outgoing Chair Darryl Rouson, a Democratic Senator from St. Petersburg. Robinson, a prominent Democrat from Miami Gardens, previously held the position of Vice Chair and secured her election as Chair unopposed, demonstrating a strong consensus within the 27-member caucus.
A New Era of Leadership
In her initial statement following the election, Robinson expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating she is “deeply honored” to take on this critical leadership role. The FLBC, established in the 1960s, aims to unify Black lawmakers to advance equity and representation across Florida. Robinson emphasized that her new role is not merely a privilege but a profound responsibility to advocate for the needs of her community and address various challenges.
“We will work tirelessly to improve and sustain the quality of life for all Floridians,” Robinson declared. She is enthusiastic about collaborating with colleagues and community leaders in pursuit of progress and empowerment throughout the state.
Background and Experience
Robinson’s journey in public service began long before her election to the Legislature in 2020. A dedicated educator, she spent over two decades within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system as a math teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. Her experience in education forms a cornerstone of her political priorities, aligning her legislative efforts with the needs of students and families.
Additionally, Robinson served on the Miami Gardens City Council from 2010 to 2018, where she held the position of Vice Mayor. This breadth of experience in both education and local governance equips her with a unique perspective on the issues facing her constituents.
Legislative Accomplishments
During the recent legislative session, Robinson successfully championed a bill that mandates certain healthcare providers to receive training on treating pain in patients with sickle cell disease. This legislative effort highlights her commitment to addressing health disparities and improving access to care for marginalized communities.
Under Robinson’s leadership, the FLBC intends to focus on a comprehensive policy agenda. This includes expanding access to affordable healthcare, securing funding for K-12 and higher education, supporting economic development, and advocating for criminal justice reforms.
Priorities Moving Forward
Robinson has articulated a vision for her leadership that emphasizes community engagement and a collaborative approach to policymaking. She expressed her desire to de-emphasize partisan divisions and concentrate on addressing the real needs of Floridians.
“I’m just really honored and looking forward to us continuing the work that we do across Florida,” she said. Robinson plans to hold listening sessions throughout the state to gather input on how recent policy changes, especially in education, are impacting communities.
“Over the last several years, we have had a lot of changes to education,” Robinson noted. She seeks to understand these changes’ effectiveness and whether they meaningfully benefit students and families.
New Executive Board Members
In conjunction with Robinson’s election, the caucus has also appointed a new Executive Board. This includes Tamarac Sen. Rosalind Osgood as Vice Chair, Homestead Rep. Kevin Chambliss as Secretary, Gotha Rep. Leonard Spencer as Treasurer, and Broward County Sen. Barbara Sharief as Parliamentarian. The outgoing board members—Miami Rep. Ashley Gantt, Hollywood Rep. Marie Woodson, and Ocoee Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis—are all noted for their contributions to the caucus.
Unity and Purpose
As the FLBC continues to focus on crucial issues, Robinson’s leadership embodies a commitment to advocating for equity and representation in Florida. With all members of the FLBC being Democrats, there is a strong alignment of values and mission within the caucus.
This new chapter in the FLBC’s journey holds promise for addressing long-standing challenges while fostering collaboration and unity among lawmakers dedicated to bettering the lives of all Floridians.
