Bruce Smathers

Who is Bruce Smathers?

Bruce Armistead Smathers was a member of the Florida State Senate and then was elected to and served as Secretary of State of Florida from 1975 - 1978.

As Secretary of State, Smathers reformed election laws, modernized the Division of Corporations, became involved in the "Atocha" treasure dispute, expanded support for cultural affairs, and was best known as leader of the successful effort to preserve Florida's Historic State Capitol. Smathers was the youngest member of the Florida Cabinet in the twentieth century at his time of entry. The six members of the Florida Cabinet and the Governor then constituted the State Board of Education, and administered the Department of General Services, the Department of Criminal Law Enforcement, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Revenue and the Internal Improvement Trust Fund..

After serving as Secretary of State he launched an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign losing to Bob Graham.

He is the younger son of George Smathers, former Congressman and U.S. Senator for Florida. After attending the St. Alban's School, Smathers earned an undergraduate degree in Economics from Yale University and a law degree from University of Florida. A NROTC graduate, he joined Underwater Demolition Team Eleven, served with Naval Special Warfare Pacific, and was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. After his political career, he combined law with lobbying, running family orange and automobile businesses, and became a successful investor serving on various private and charitable boards.