Sen. Laurie Berman delivers farewell on Senate floor, highlights bipartisanship and policy achievements

Tallahassee — Senate Democratic Leader Laurie (Lori) Berman addressed the Florida Senate on Feb. 26 in a formal farewell that drew tributes from members across the aisle and family and friends in the gallery.

Berman reflected on 16 years of public service and singled out several policy efforts as examples of the office’s concrete impact: improved missing‑person alerts for adults with developmental disabilities, expanded courthouse lactation spaces, and legislative work on breast‑cancer screening and supports. She also referenced major bipartisan measures she helped advance in the past, including post‑Marjory Stoneman Douglas reforms such as raising the purchase age for certain firearms and a red‑flag law she originated.

“Floridians are watching us for real leadership that puts people first, and that has always been my North Star,” Berman said, thanking colleagues, staff and family. She acknowledged specific colleagues for collaboration and praised staff and interns by name. Members in the chamber rose to offer personal memories and tributes; speakers described Berman as a steady, rigorous and collegial leader who mentored newer members and earned respect on both sides.

The Senate spread Berman’s remarks on the journal and presented a legislative recognition tied to a 2023 bill in memory of Grayson Kessler that expanded evidentiary considerations in domestic‑violence and custody proceedings. The body recessed briefly for the farewell and then resumed legislative business.

Source: Floor remarks and tributes recorded on the Florida Senate transcript (SEG 863–2202).