More about Senator Stargel
Senator Kelli Stargel was elected to the Florida Senate in November of 2012 after serving four years in the Florida House of Representatives. She currently works as the investment property manager for her family-owned small business in Lakeland.
Senator Stargel serves as the Senate Deputy Majority Leader. She is also the Chair of the Finance and Tax Committee and the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. She is a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development, the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee, and others.
Senator Stargel has received a number of awards from various organizations over her time in the Legislature. Some of the highest recognitions include several Agricultural related awards, such as, the Florida Farm Bureau 2018 Legislator of the Year and Champion for Agriculture, The Florida Fruit and Vegetable 2018 Legislator of the Year and the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association 2018 Legislator of the Year. In addition, she has received Associated Industries of Florida Champion for Business Award, the Florida Chamber’s Distinguished Advocate Award, the Foundation for Florida’s Future A+ Award, the Florida Realtors Legislative Champion Award, and the Florida Family Policy Council’s William Wilberforce Award. In addition, Senator Stargel is an appointee to the Education Commission of the States.
She and her husband, Circuit Judge John Stargel, have five children and two grandchildren.
Awards, Endorsements, & Recognitions
2018
- Florida Farm Bureau Champion for Agriculture Award
- Florida Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year
- Florida Chamber’s Distinguished Advocate
- FHCA Legislative Champion for the Elderly
- Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida 2018 ICUF President’s ‘A’ Honor Roll
- ABC FL Gulf Coast Endorsement
- Florida Medical Association Endorsement
- Florida Realtors Endorsement
- Florida Right to Life Endorsement
- Associated Industries of Florida Endorsement
- Florida Police Benevolent Association Endorsement
- Florida Health Care Association Champion for the Elderly
- Americans for Prosperity A+
- Florida Fruit & Vegetable – Legislator of the Year
- Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Assoc. – Legislator of the Year
- Foundation for Florida’s Future A+
- Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association – Legislator of the Year
- Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Endorsement
2017
- AIF Champion for Business Award
- Florida Realtors Legislative Champion
- Florida Health Care Association Champion for the Elderly
- Habitat for Humanity of Florida Housing Champion
- Foundation for Florida’s Future Champion for Florida’s Students and Families
- Florida Chamber’s Distinguished Advocate
- Recognition by the Florida Wing of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol
- Recognition by the Florida Fire Chiefs Association
- Independent Colleges and Universities Recognition
- Appointed to the Public Service Commission Nominating Council, (appointed Chair for January 1, 2018-November 6, 2018)
- Appointed to the Board of Directors for Enterprise Florida
- Florida Cultural Alliance Legislate Star Award for Arts & Culture
- Children’s Home Society Legislator of the Year
- FLVS Policy Maker of the Year – Award called “The Education Improvement Award”
2016
- Family for LIFE Heart for LIFE Award
- Florida Family Policy Council Champion of the Family
- Florida Health Care Association Champion for the Elderly
- Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club Legislative Champion Award
- Independent Colleges and Universities Presidential Honor Roll
- Florida Family Policy Council William Wilberforce Award
- Florida Chamber’s Distinguished Advocate
- Florida Chamber 2016 Honor Roll
FAMILY AND BIO
Occupation: Investment Property Manager
Husband: John
Children: Rebekah, Amanda, Robert, Hannah, Laura
Birthday: March 23
Fun Facts: My ancestors include Aaron Jernigan (FL House of Representatives, 1848) and James Lane (Sumter County Sheriff, 1897-1905).
LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
- Elected to the Senate in 2012
- House of Representatives, 2008 – 2012
OTHER PUBLIC SERVICE
- Education Commission of the States, Commissioner
- Served on the Commission on Marriage and Family Support Initiatives
AFFILIATIONS
- Republican Woman’s Club of Lakeland, Past President
- Heritage Baptist Church, Member
