Former Judge Paul Hawkes: Blessed with Opportunity

Former Judge Paul Hawkes understands how blessed he is to have had the opportunity to serve in public office. An admirer of Jeb Bush and of Governor Bush’s personal commitment to public service, former Judge Paul Hawkes has, time and again, had the opportunity to serve in important public service positions; positions that have allowed him to serve his state, his governor and his constituents with the utmost in honor and integrity.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes career in politics, and in the law, began shortly after graduating With Honors from the Florida State University Law School. He enthusiastically served Florida as an Assistant State Attorney, in 1990 he was elected to serve in the Florida State Legislature. As a member of the Florida House, former Judge Paul Hawkes was honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of Citrus, Marion and Hernando counties, and served as a passionate and committed state legislator until 1994. His legislative tenure included service on several House committees, including the Health Care, Commerce and Public Schools and Governmental Operations committees. 

Shortly after former Judge Paul Hawkes term of service in the Florida State Legislature ended, he was honored to have the opportunity to serve as Special Counsel to the first Republican State House Speaker in over 122 years. As an advisor to Speaker Daniel Webster, former Judge Paul Hawkes helped to draft new rules for the Florida House, advised on referral recommendations for all pieces of filed legislation, and oversaw many important special projects. He enjoyed service in a similar capacity again in 2001, serving as Chief of Policy for House Speaker Tom Feeney.