Florida's new lieutenant governor introduced

Carlos Lopez-Cantera picked as next lieutenant governor

MIAMI – Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday introduced Carlos Lopez-Cantera as the state's next lieutenant governor.

Lopez-Cantera, Miami-Dade County's property appraiser, replaces Jennifer Carroll, who resigned last year. He is also a former state legislator.

"He was successful in ushering through tax reforms and was selected by his peers to serve in leadership positions as majority whip and then majority leader," said Scott. "His legislative experience will make him very helpful in being vital in passing our $500 million tax cut package this year."

Lopez-Cantera, 40, will be the state's first Hispanic lieutenant governor.

"I'm looking forward to getting involved in the action in Tallahassee," he said.

He begins serving as lieutenant governor on Feb. 3. The Miami-Dade County Commission can appoint his replacement or the second-in-command can stay until the next election in August, said chair Rebeca Sosa.


About the Authors:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."