Michael Owen (Florida politician)

Michael Owen
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 70th district
Assumed office
November 5, 2024
Preceded byMike Beltran
Personal details
Born (1975-12-23) December 23, 1975
PartyRepublican
Websitewww.owenforflorida.com

Michael Owen (born December 23, 1975) is an American politician and attorney who is currently serving as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 70th district. He was first elected in 2024, defeating Democratic nominee Luther Wilkins with 67% of the vote.[1] The district is based in Hillsborough and Manatee counties.[2] He previously served as the commissioner for District 4 of the Hillsborough County Commission.[3]

Personal life and career

Owen was born on December 23, 1975 in Houston, Texas, and moved to Florida in 1976, being raised in Brandon.[4][5] He is Christian.[4] He maintains a law practice specializing in real estate.[3]

Political views

Minimum wage

Owen publicly opposed Amendment 2 in 2020, which intended to gradually raise the minimum wage in Florida to $15 by 2026. He stated that he would not be opposed to increasing the minimum wage in the future, but believed it was unwise at the time.[6]

Term limits

Owen proposed a bill in February 2025 that would create a constitutional referendum to limit members of the Florida Senate to two four-year terms and the Florida House of Representatives to four two-year terms.[7]

References

  1. ^ Pérez-Carrillo, Melissa (2024-11-05). "Manatee County: Republicans win district 70, 71, 72 state house seats". Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  2. ^ Collins, Kathy (2024-10-09). "Michael Owen, State Representative, District 70 | Osprey Observer". Osprey Observer. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  3. ^ a b Carlton, Sue (2024-06-11). "Hillsborough Commissioner Michael Owen resigns to run for Florida House". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  4. ^ a b "Michael Owen - 2024 - 2026 ( Speaker Perez ) | Florida House of Representatives". Florida House of Representatives. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  5. ^ Fedor, Hayley (2021-06-01). "Michael Owen Announces His Run For Hillsborough County Commissioner In 2022". Osprey Observer. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  6. ^ Perry, Mitch (2020-11-02). "Owen, Learned Compete in 'Toss-Up' House District 59". Spectrum Bay News 9. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  7. ^ Gancarski, A.G. (2025-02-15). "House version of legislative term limits bill filed". Florida Politics. Retrieved 2025-09-02.