You’d think the person running the elections in one of the most politically chaotic states in the country would be a household name. But honestly, most people couldn't pick the Florida Secretary of State out of a lineup. As of early 2026, that person is still Cord Byrd.
He’s been in the seat since 2022, when Governor Ron DeSantis tapped him to take over. If you follow Florida politics even a little, you know nothing happens in Tallahassee by accident. Byrd wasn’t just a random choice; he was a strategic one. He’s a former state representative from Neptune Beach, a lawyer, and someone who describes himself as a "Constitutionalist" with a capital C.
The job is a lot bigger than just counting ballots, though that’s the part that gets everyone’s blood pressure up.
What Does the Florida Secretary of State Actually Do?
Basically, Cord Byrd is the state’s chief protocol officer, chief arts officer, and the guy who keeps the business records from turning into a mess. But let’s be real. People mostly care about the "Chief Elections Officer" title.
In Florida, the Secretary of State isn't elected by the voters anymore. That changed back in 2003. Now, it’s an appointed position. This means Byrd answers to the Governor, not directly to the ballot box. Some people hate that. They think it makes the role too partisan. Others argue it streamlines the executive branch.
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Here is a quick look at what’s on his plate right now:
- Elections Oversight: Managing the 67 county supervisors of elections.
- Business Filings: If you start an LLC in Florida, your paperwork goes through his office.
- Historical Resources: He’s currently leading the America250FL charge, which is the big 250th-anniversary bash for the U.S. coming up later this year.
- Arts and Culture: He handles grants for museums and theaters across the state.
The 2026 Election Cycle and "Year of Apportionment"
Things are getting weirdly technical right now because 2026 is a "year of apportionment." Just a few days ago, on January 7, 2026, Byrd issued Directive 2026-01. It sounds boring, but it’s actually a huge deal for anyone trying to run for Congress.
Because the state is redrawing congressional districts, the rules for getting on the ballot have shifted. Usually, you need signatures from voters in your specific district. But in an apportionment year? Candidates can get signatures from anywhere in the state. Byrd’s office is the one that has to navigate these legal weeds to make sure the 2026 midterms don't turn into a total free-for-all.
Why Cord Byrd Is a Lightning Rod
You can't talk about who is the Florida Secretary of State without mentioning the friction. Byrd has been a staunch defender of the "Election Integrity" bills that have swept through the Florida legislature.
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He helped stand up the Office of Election Crimes and Security. It’s a specialized unit designed to hunt down voter fraud. Critics call it a "voter intimidation squad," while Byrd and DeSantis call it a necessary safeguard.
During his 2023 confirmation, he got grilled about the 2020 election. He’s been careful with his words, acknowledging Joe Biden is the president while simultaneously pointing to "irregularities" in other states. That kind of talk makes him a hero in some circles and a villain in others. There is very little middle ground when it's your job to sign off on the results of a purple-state election.
Beyond the Ballot Box: Arts and Trade
It’s not all lawsuits and voter rolls. Byrd has been surprisingly busy on the international stage. In 2025, he was jet-setting to France, Taiwan, and Japan. Why? Because the Secretary of State is also the State Protocol Officer. He’s the one who welcomes foreign dignitaries and tries to convince international tech companies that Florida is a better place to park their cash than California.
He also just designated the Main Street Crestview Association as the "Program of the Month" for January 2026. It’s the softer side of the job—promoting small-town revitalization and historic preservation.
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The Timeline: How We Got Here
If you’re trying to keep the history straight, Byrd is the 37th person to hold this job. He followed Laurel Lee, who left the post to run for Congress (she’s now in the U.S. House).
Before Byrd was the Secretary, he was a firebrand in the Florida House. He sponsored the bill that banned "sanctuary cities" in Florida and was a go-to guy for the Governor on some of the state’s most controversial legislation. He’s a fifth-generation Floridian, which in Tallahassee is basically like having royal blood.
What to Watch For in 2026
As we head into the thick of the 2026 election cycle, Byrd’s office is going to be under a microscope.
- Voter Roll Cleanup: His office recently struck a deal with the Department of Homeland Security to use the SAVE database. This is supposed to help them identify non-citizens on the voter rolls. Expect a lot of headlines about this as the year progresses.
- The America250 Celebration: Since he’s chairing the commission, expect to see him at every statue unveiling and parade from Pensacola to Key West.
- Cybersecurity: Florida has been pouring money into protecting the "voter interface." Byrd is the guy who has to make sure hackers aren't messing with the counts on election night.
Honestly, the role of the Florida Secretary of State is a balancing act. One day you're approving a grant for a local library, and the next you're being sued by a voting rights group. It’s a high-stakes, high-stress gig that only gets more intense as the presidential cycle looms in the distance.
If you need to contact his office for business filings or to check your voter status, the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee is the hub. Just don't expect a quiet lobby—things are already ramping up for a very loud 2026.
To ensure you are prepared for the upcoming election cycle, you should verify your voter registration status through the Florida Division of Elections website. Given the new district maps being finalized this April, double-checking your specific polling location and district number is the most practical step you can take right now.