This Familiar Face Will Run to Replace Dr. Joel Rudman in The Florida House of Reps

Nathan Boyles, a former Okaloosa County Commissioner and owner of Adam Sanitation, has entered the race for Florida House District 3. The district encompasses most of Santa Rosa County and parts of northern Okaloosa County, excluding Crestview. A special election to fill the seat will be scheduled by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Boyles, who served on the Okaloosa County Commission for 12 years, says public service is a passion he’s eager to continue. “I’ve developed a real love for public service,” Boyles said. “It’s something that kind of gets in your blood.” Reflecting on his time on the commission, Boyles highlighted his work fostering collaboration and advancing infrastructure projects.

“Too often big projects were kind of ignored or overlooked because they’re difficult,” he explained. “Crestview Bypass is a great example.” He also pointed to smaller-scale initiatives, such as paving dirt roads, as part of his commitment to addressing everyday needs in growing communities.

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From the Commission to the Capitol

Boyles acknowledged that transitioning from a local role to a state-level position will require patience and adaptability. “You walk in the door, not as a rock star or somebody really very terribly important at all,” Boyles admitted. Instead, he plans to focus on “building relationships” in Tallahassee, learning the legislative process, and supporting local governments in his district.

“My approach is about empowering local governments to make decisions closest to the people,” Boyles said, emphasizing the importance of protecting property rights while ensuring smart, measured growth. “There’s a right way to do that and a wrong way to do that… as we grow and develop, doing so in a way that gives us something when we’re finished that we can be proud of.”

Boyles plans to leverage his engineering background and years of experience managing development issues to address Northwest Florida’s rapid growth. “Santa Rosa County is dealing with the same development pressures as Okaloosa, and they need tools to make sound decisions,” he said.

Balancing Disruption and Diplomacy

Known for his direct approach to government, Boyles discussed his reputation as a disruptor, a label he acknowledged while expressing a measured perspective. “Early in my commission career, I had a tool bag that consisted of hammers of various sizes,” he said. “But over time, I’ve recognized there are other tools you need…to work successfully within a system.”

He described himself as unafraid to stand up when necessary but also committed to collaboration. “I’m not going to go over there simply trying to be the loudest guy in the room so that everyone’s looking at me. That’s not usually a recipe for success.”

Next Steps for District 3

Boyles noted that the special election’s timing means the district will likely go unrepresented during the 2024 legislative session. While expressing eagerness to campaign and meet voters, he encouraged patience as the process unfolds. “There’s still a little bit of uncertainty for folks lining up to run,” he said.

Boyles left the interview with a focus on his goals for the campaign: “I want to set up the district for long-term success. It’s about collaboration, empowering local leaders, and making a difference for Northwest Florida.”

As the election date nears, voters can expect to hear more from Boyles about his vision for the district and his plans to represent local interests in Tallahassee.