Cord Byrd

Cord Byrd
Name	Cord Byrd
Office	40th Attorney General of Florida
Term start	January 3, 2023
Governor	Ron DeSantis
Predecessor	Ashley Moody
Birth date	1973
Birth place	Jacksonville, Florida
Party	Republican Party
Spouse	Terri Byrd
Education	University of North Florida (BA), Florida Coastal School of Law (JD)

Cord Byrd is an American attorney and politician serving as the 40th Attorney General of Florida. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented parts of northeastern Florida in the Florida House of Representatives and served on local advisory boards in Jacksonville. Byrd's work spans state legislative initiatives, legal practice, and executive litigation involving state agencies and federal policy.

Early life and education

Byrd was born in Jacksonville and raised in northeast Florida. He graduated from Bishop Kenny High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Florida. Byrd received a Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law, later obtaining bar admission to the Florida Bar. His formative years included involvement with local institutions such as Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and community organizations tied to Duval County civic life.

Early career and legal work

Byrd began his legal career in private practice in Jacksonville, representing clients in civil litigation, administrative law, and regulatory matters. He worked with law firms and firms interacting with state agencies including the Florida Department of Education, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Department of Children and Families. Byrd also provided counsel for municipal and commercial clients engaging with the City of Jacksonville and regional authorities. He served on boards and committees tied to professional organizations such as the American Bar Association and local chapters of the Florida Bar.

Political career

Byrd was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, representing a district in northeastern Florida that included portions of Duval County and surrounding suburbs. In the legislature, he served on committees addressing judiciary issues, regulatory reform, and public safety, coordinating with statewide leaders including Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis on policy priorities. Byrd sponsored and supported legislation interacting with statutes such as the Florida Statutes pertaining to tort reform, civil procedure, and business regulation. His legislative partnerships included collaboration with representatives and senators from districts across Florida, and engagement with organizations like the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Tenure as Florida Attorney General

Byrd assumed office as Florida Attorney General on January 3, 2023, succeeding Ashley Moody. As Attorney General, he leads the Florida Department of Legal Affairs and oversees litigation involving the state before federal and state courts, interacting with institutions such as the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and state trial courts. Byrd has directed legal strategies concerning challenges to federal policies promulgated by administrations in Washington, D.C., pursued enforcement actions related to state statutes, and coordinated multistate litigation with attorneys general from states including Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. His office has filed suits and amicus briefs that involve federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Political positions and initiatives

Byrd's priorities as Attorney General reflect partnerships with leaders including Ron DeSantis and align with positions emphasized by the Republican Party in Florida. He has pursued criminal justice initiatives involving coordination with state prosecutors and law enforcement agencies such as the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association. Byrd has been active on issues related to election law, consumer protection, and corporate regulation, filing actions against entities and advocating statutory interpretations under the Florida Elections Code and consumer statutes. His office has joined multistate coalitions challenging federal rulemaking in areas involving healthcare, immigration, and environmental regulation, often aligning with attorneys general from states like Idaho, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

Personal life and affiliations

Byrd resides in Jacksonville with his wife, Terri, and their three children. He is affiliated with civic and professional groups including the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Bar, and faith-based organizations in northeast Florida. Byrd's community involvement has included participation in local outreach with institutions such as Baptist Health and charitable efforts coordinated with regional nonprofits and service organizations in Duval County.

Category:Living people Category:Florida Attorneys General Category:Florida Republicans Category:People from Jacksonville, Florida