"Part Two of Ben Butler’s Six-Point Plan to Put Florida Families First: Responsible Growth Without Losing Florida’s Identity"
The way Florida grows will directly impact whether future generations can afford to live here, raise a family here, and preserve the quality of life that has made our state special for generations. That’s why the second part of my Six-Point Plan focuses on responsible growth.
OKEECHOBEE, FL — Earlier this week, I released the first part of my Six-Point Plan for Florida’s Future, focusing on one of the biggest challenges facing families across our state: affordability.
Florida families are feeling the squeeze from rising housing costs, higher insurance premiums, increasing utility bills, and the overall cost of living. Addressing affordability remains a top priority.
But affordability doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
The way Florida grows will directly impact whether future generations can afford to live here, raise a family here, and preserve the quality of life that has made our state special for generations.
That’s why the second part of my Six-Point Plan focuses on responsible growth.
As a ninth-generation Floridian, dairy farmer, cattle rancher, and member of the South Florida Water Management District, Governing Board, I’ve seen firsthand both the opportunities and challenges that come with Florida’s rapid growth. Growth has strengthened our economy and brought new jobs and investment, but if it’s not managed responsibly, it can strain infrastructure, increase costs for families, threaten water resources, and erode the character of the communities we love.
Florida doesn’t have to choose between growth and preservation. We can have both.
1. Build Infrastructure Before Growth
Too often, roads, schools, water systems, and public safety resources are playing catch-up after development occurs.
I support ensuring that infrastructure planning keeps pace with growth so that existing residents aren’t left paying the price through worsening traffic, overcrowded schools, and strained public services.
2. Protect Florida’s Water Resources
Water is Florida’s most valuable natural resource.
My experience serving on the SFWMD has reinforced the importance of long-term planning and responsible stewardship. We must continue investing in water storage, conservation, and infrastructure projects that protect our communities while supporting economic growth.
In particular, we need investments in flood control and alternative water supply infrastructure especially in Osceola and water quality initiatives in Indian River Lagoon estuary.
Responsible development and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive, but rather they go hand in hand.
3. Expand Housing Opportunities
One of the biggest drivers of Florida’s affordability crisis is a shortage of attainable housing.
We need policies that encourage the construction of workforce housing for teachers, law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and young families while reducing unnecessary regulations that drive up costs and limit supply.
4. Protect Florida’s Agricultural Heritage
Florida’s farms and ranches are more than businesses. Instead, they’re part of our identity.
As a dairy farmer and cattle rancher, I know how important it is to preserve working agricultural lands and ensure agriculture remains a vital part of Florida’s future. Growth should complement our agricultural economy, not replace it.
5. Preserve Community Character and Public Safety
Growth should strengthen our communities, not overwhelm them.
As Florida continues to attract new residents and businesses, we must ensure that our roads, schools, healthcare systems, law enforcement agencies, and emergency services can keep pace. Families deserve safe neighborhoods, well-supported first responders, and communities where quality of life remains high.
Responsible growth means investing in public safety infrastructure and ensuring local law enforcement has the resources necessary to protect our communities. It also means recognizing that secure borders and the rule of law matter. Washington’s failure to address the border crisis has placed additional pressure on housing, healthcare, schools, and public resources across the country.
A nation that cannot control its borders cannot effectively plan for its future. Like President Trump, I support securing our border, enforcing our immigration laws, and restoring order to an immigration system that has failing American citizens.
Florida can continue to grow and prosper, but growth must be accompanied by smart planning, strong public safety, and policies that put American families first.
Looking Ahead
This is the second of six plans I will be releasing in the coming weeks as part of my vision for Florida’s future.
In the first plan, I outlined my ideas for making Florida more affordable for working families by tackling rising housing costs, lowering the cost of living, promoting energy independence, and reducing the burden of government regulations.
Today, I’ve focused on responsible growth and ensuring Florida can continue to prosper without sacrificing the communities, natural resources, and agricultural heritage that make our state unique.
In the days ahead, I will release additional plans focused on:
• Strengthening America’s food security and protecting Florida agriculture.
• Investing in water resources and critical infrastructure to support future generations.
• Restoring accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in government.
• Ensuring rural Florida has a stronger voice in Washington and that the communities often overlooked by career politicians have a seat at the table.
Florida’s future depends on leaders who understand both where we’ve come from and where we’re going. We can embrace opportunity without sacrificing our values, grow our economy without losing our identity, and leave the next generation a Florida that is stronger, more affordable, and more prosperous than the one we inherited.
As a ninth-generation Floridian, dairy farmer, cattle rancher, and public servant, I believe Florida’s future can be both prosperous and sustainable. We can welcome opportunity without losing our identity, grow our economy without abandoning our values, and leave the next generation a Florida that is stronger than the one we inherited.
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Benjamin "Ben" Butler is a lifelong, ninth-generation Floridian, agricultural leader, businessman, and public servant rooted in the values of faith, hard work, stewardship, and service.
Raised in Central Florida, Ben helped build and operate Butler Oaks Farm, a multi-generational dairy and cattle operation. Through decades of hands-on experience, he managed employees, balanced budgets, navigated complex regulations, and made the real-world decisions necessary to keep a business running and families employed.
Governor DeSantis appointed Ben to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board in 2019, 2021, and 2024, where he has helped oversee Everglades restoration, flood protection, water supply, and natural resource management across South Florida.
Ben has also served in leadership roles with the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida FFA Foundation, Southeast Milk Inc., and Newtrient. A former Florida FFA State President, Ben has long believed in investing in future generations and strengthening Florida's rural communities.
Ben earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in Animal Science from the University of Florida, with a focus on dairy management, agricultural economics, and natural resource management.
Ben is joined in his commitment to agriculture and youth development by his wife, April, a native Floridian, FSU graduate, and former law enforcement professional who volunteers with 4-H, FFA Alumni, and the South Florida Fair dairy shows. Their daughter Hannah raises registered dairy and beef heifers through FFA and 4-H, and is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Club America at her high school.
Together, the Butler family remains deeply rooted in Florida's Heartland, dedicated to preserving its agricultural heritage, supporting youth leadership, and serving their community.
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With the excitement of the campaign growing, Butler has picked up many endorsements, both federal and local, including:
Congressional:
Kat Cammack – Congresswoman, FL-03
Greg Steube – Congressman, FL-17
City of Okeechobee:
Dowling Watford, Jr. – Mayor
Monica Clark – Vice Mayor
Noel Chandler – Council Member
Bob Jarriel – Council Member
David McAuley – Council Member
Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners:
David Hazellief – Chair, Commissioner
Terry Burroughs – 1st Vice Chair, Commissioner
Bradley Goodbread – 2nd Vice Chair, Commissioner
Frank DeCarlo – Commissioner
Michael Sumner – Commissioner
Okeechobee County School Board:
Jill Holcomb – Board Chair, District 5
Christine Bishop – Vice Chair, District 1
Malissa Morgan – Board Member, District 2
Melisa Jahner – Board Member, District 3
Amanda Riedel – Board Member, District 4
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners:
Chris Campbell – Vice Chair, Commissioner
Arlene Tuck – Commissioner
Scott Kirouac – Commissioner
Kevin Roberts – Commissioner
Scott Kirouac - Commissioner
Sheriffs:
Sheriff Paul Blackman – Highlands County
Sheriff David Hardin – Glades County
Sheriff Noel Stephen – Okeechobee County
Sheriff Eric Flowers – Indian River County
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Release Date:
June 25, 2026
Press Contact:
Derek Dufresne
Derek@ascent-strategic.com
