Dean's Story
Dean Cannon was born on a US Air Force Base while his father was serving overseas. He’s always understood the sacrifice it takes to keep America safe and free. That’s one reason he is a strong advocate for Florida’s Veterans and for the thousands of families in Central Florida who have a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a mom or dad serving in our military overseas.
After his father finished his active duty service he settled the family in Central Florida where Dean grew up. Dean attended Florida’s Public Schools for elementary, middle and high school. His mom worked in the Public School system so he gained an appreciation for the hard work that is necessary to get our children ready for the real world. That’s why Dean is always looking for ways to improve and build upon Florida’s Public School system.
While in high school, like most teenagers, Dean wanted to get a car and be able to drive. His parents taught him a lesson that he carries with him to this day – they told him he needed to earn the money on his own. So Dean went to his Grandfather and together they planted a crop of mustard greens. Dean raised that crop and then sold it at the farmer’s market to make enough money to buy an inexpensive car. Dean still remembers the pride he took in being able to buy that car with money he earned by himself.
After high school, Dean enrolled at the University of Florida and set his sights on becoming an attorney. Dean knew then that the rule of law is what sets America apart from many other nations in the world and he was intent on being able to understand and practice law. Dean always thought that President Abraham Lincoln was a true statesman and role model so it made sense for him to follow Lincoln’s path into law.
While at the University of Florida Dean was humbled with the support and votes of his fellow students when they made him their Student Body President.
Dean was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2004 and is currently serving his next-to-final term in the House and is the designated incoming Speaker of the House.
Dean is known for his critical role in working with Governor Jeb Bush and our local Mayors and others to bring The Burnham Institute for Medical Research here. Along with the UCF Medical School, the Nemours Children Hospital, the VA hospital and others, Medical City is supporting hundreds of construction jobs right now and creating thousands more high tech jobs for the future.
Dean lives in Winter Park with his wife Ellen where they are the busy parents of three young children, Dean III, Katherine, and Sarah.
