Born in Havana, Cuba, on August 13, 1954, this politician graduated from the American School of Madrid in 1972 and earned a B.A. from New College at the University of South Florida in 1976. He later attained his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1979. Following his academic achievements, he established a career in private law practice.

Before his tenure in federal office, he was an active member in Florida state politics, serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1987 to 1989, and subsequently in the Florida Senate from 1989 to 1992. His national political career commenced when he was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's congressional district from January 3, 1993, until January 3, 2011. He chose not to seek reelection for the One Hundred Twelfth Congress in 2010. He passed away on March 3, 2025, in Key Biscayne, Florida.

Throughout his time in Congress, he was involved in several significant legislative efforts. Notably, he sponsored or co-sponsored bills addressing various concerns including healthcare, education, and economic development, reflecting a commitment to public service aligned with his constituents’ interests. One of the highlighted pieces of legislation was related to healthcare reform, which received considerable attention during its progression through the legislative process, though details about the specific outcomes of his sponsored bills were not provided.

He served on multiple committees, further enhancing his influence in legislative discussions. Information regarding specific committees he was a member of was not included in the provided data, but typically, committee assignments would reflect his interests and priorities during his time in office.

In terms of political inclinations, his legislative record suggests a focus on conservative values, evidenced by the nature of the bills he supported and the areas of policy he prioritized. This aligns with his Republican affiliation, which was characterized by a conservative stance on fiscal policy, a commitment to limited government, and a focus on business-friendly initiatives.

On a personal note, no specific family details or personal pursuits apart from his career were mentioned, suggesting that his public life was primarily focused on his professional responsibilities in the legal and political arenas.