Gov. Ron DeSantis Names Rep. Dane Eagle to Head Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

Gov. Ron DeSantis moved quickly to name a new Secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

About 24 hours after the resignation of Ken Lawson, DeSantis tapped Cape Coral Representative Dane Eagle to lead the agency in charge of workforce development and economic incentives for businesses. 

Eagle is term-limited out of office in November and last month lost a GOP primary for a Southwest Florida Congressional District to Naples Rep. Byron Donalds.

A commercial Realtor, Eagle served as the House Majority Leader the past two sessions in the Legislature. In that role he successfully worked to pass a GOP caucus’ agenda that included parental consent for an abortion, repeal of a certificate of need for new hospitals, and an expansion of school vouchers. 

“Leader Eagle is an experienced legislator, a family man, and the right choice to lead DEO,” said Governor DeSantis.

“The Department has suffered some setbacks, but I have no doubt that Dane is up to the task. He is personable, enjoys broad bipartisan support, and I look forward to the many successes to come,” said DeSantis.

Eagle said he is humbled and excited to join the DeSantis administration in serving the people of Florida.