Bill Conerly

Bill Conerly was born in Miami, Florida. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1989. He graduated from Arcadia Christian School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 1997. His career experience includes working as a civil engineer and electrician with the U.S. Navy.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Representative Bill Conerly, a fifth-generation Floridian, veteran, conservative engineer, businessman, and devoted community leader proudly serving District 72 in the Florida House of Representatives.

For me, public service has always been about giving back. As a 27-year resident of Manatee County, I care deeply about preserving the values, opportunities, and quality of life that make Southwest Florida such a special place to call home.

Throughout my nearly 30 years as a Professional Engineer (P.E.), I have helped design and deliver projects that improve people's lives—from roads and utilities to healthcare facilities, affordable housing, and schools. My career has been built on solving problems, managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, and finding practical solutions that serve communities for generations.

Beyond the legislative service, I am a husband, neighbor, volunteer, and community advocate who believes leadership begins with listening. My record of service and results has earned the trust and support of law enforcement, first responders, community leaders, and taxpayers across the region.

My priorities remain focused on improving infrastructure, increasing housing affordability, strengthening water and flood resiliency, supporting first responders, and protecting the character of Southwest Florida.

I believe government works best when it focuses on service, common sense, and accountability.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Deep Florida roots. Strong Southwest Florida values. A commitment to the next generation.

My roots in Florida run deep. As a fifth-generation Floridian and longtime Manatee County resident, I am committed to protecting the values, opportunities, and way of life that make Southwest Florida special for today’s families and future generations.Real-world experience. Practical solutions. Responsible results.

I bring nearly 30 years of private-sector engineering and business experience to public service, giving me a practical, results-oriented approach to solving problems and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly.Proven conservative leadership delivering real results for Southwest Florida.

I have already delivered measurable results in the Florida House—passing impactful legislation, securing major regional funding, and advancing priorities like water protection, coastal resiliency, infrastructure, housing affordability, and support for first responders.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about public policy that has a direct impact on people’s daily lives—improving infrastructure, expanding housing affordability, protecting Florida’s water resources, strengthening flood and coastal resiliency, and supporting first responders. As an engineer, I am especially focused on practical, long-term solutions that help growing communities plan responsibly while preserving the character and quality of life that make Southwest Florida special.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been endorsed by Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, Sarasota County Sheriff Hurt Hoffman, Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, Congressman Greg Steube, Fraternal Order of Police, Police Benevolent Association, Suncoast Professional Firefighters and Paramedics (IAFF 2546), Florida Christian Family Coalition, Associated Industries of Florida, City of Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, Incoming Florida Senate President Jim Boyd and Incoming Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Sam Garrison.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a husband, father, veteran, civil engineer and lifelong conservative Republican. I am an engineer by trade with deep roots in Manatee County. The Conerly campaign focuses on an America First agenda for Florida, with an emphasis on building infrastructure and housing affordability.

In 1997, I earned his Bachelor of Science in ABE Engineering from the University of Florida. I began my career focusing on stormwater/floodplain modeling and routing. By 2001, I had earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Engineering with a focus in Water Resources. Over the past 27 years, I have worked on a wide variety of projects, including Affordable & Senior Housing, Hospital, Roadway, Single & Multifamily Residential, and Institutional & Educational projects.

Throughout my career, I have also been deeply committed to his community, serving on several voluntary boards. I spent 12 years on the Manatee County Planning Commission, 10 of them as Chairman. I have also been a member of the MPO and the ELMAC. Currently, I currently serve on the County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

The reason I am running to serve in the State House is very similar to the reason I joined the military. I have a spirit of service and want to use my skills, knowledge, and experience to make Southwest Florida a better place. As an engineer, I will bring a unique skillset and problem-solving perspective to Tallahassee.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Housing Affordability is a passion of mine and will be a priority when elected. Specifically, housing for the working, middle class including teachers, nurses, police offices and firefighters, for example. As a civil engineer, I understand the things that tend to drive up the cost of housing along with material and skilled labor shortages. The solution to this problematic issue is not government spending. The solution will come from the private businesses and industry by removing the burdensome governmental hurdles.Infrastructure Improvement is another area of passion and expertise. As a civil engineer, I have design, permitted and constructed all kinds of infrastructure. I understand things that could be done to benefit the construction of critical infrastructure.

Two beneficial things would be to require each municipality to prepare masters plans to identify critical infrastructure needs and for State/local review agencies to provide rapid responses in the review of applications/plans for this critical infrastructure.My third priority is very technical, but in summary it is the reduction of the high nutrient loading (Total Phosphorus and Total Nitrogen) in surface water discharges. In 2024, the Governor sign SB 7040 into law, which updates Florida's stormwater rules and design criteria to protect our waterways. The Water Management Districts (WMD) will be required to update there rules, consistent with the ratified FDEP rules. The benefit of this will be ongoing and will evolve as it requires monitoring and reporting related to the required nutrient reduction.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about Housing Affordability and Infrastructure Improvement (transportation, water supply and wastewater processing). These are areas that significantly affect the quality if life in Southwest and all of Florida and areas in which I have expertise to help.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to and respect Tommy Gregory. I saw how he conducted himself as a House member for 6 years and was tremendously impressed with his character.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

As a young man, I was tremendously influence by:

My grandfather, who believed in hard work and self-reliance.

My pastor/teacher/football coach, Mr. Powell who taught me to never give up and to never quit.

And President Reagan, who demonstrated the importance of clear and unwavering leadership.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The characteristics that are most important for an elected official are very similar to any leader. While there are many, here are a few that immediately come to mind. These are Integrity, Strong Moral Compass, Vision, Empathy, Courage and Respectfulness (respect for others).

Integrity and Strong Moral Compass are related in my opinion. There are certain principles that I hold dear and are not negotiable. The unwavering support of these principals are very important to my credibility.

An elected official needs Vision. This allows for thoughtful planning to avoid being blindside or surprised by unexpected events.

Empathy is a critical for an elected official as it allows for an understanding of how the their action may affect others.

It is also very necessary that an elected official have Courage. The decisions they make, may at times, may be beneficial of some groups over others. A leader must have the courage to decide for the greater good.

Respect for others is an important characteristic of an elected official and a leader. There is never an appropriate time to be disrespectful of someone's opinion or position. There might be a disagreement or difference of opinion, but this should be viewed as an opportunity to explain, discuss or debate, if it is not related to a core or moral principle. The result is likely to be a better decision.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As a civil engineer, I tend to analyze and make decisions based on facts and not emotion. In addition, I have a very unique set of experiences that include a background in agriculture, engineering, a business owner, father and husband.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The two primary responsibilities of a Florida House of Representative member is Legislative and Appropriations.

I view the Legislative responsibility as an opportunity to make rules that put all Floridians in a position to flourish.

The Appropriation responsibility is an opportunity to provide funding to the most critical and beneficial needs for the State.

In addition, I think it is extremely important that all elected officials be good stewards of the money of the citizens of Florida's money.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Reduced housing cost and increased availability.

Putting the people and businesses in the State to Florida.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Watergate. I remember this from sitting and watching the hearings and news with my grandfather, when I was 7 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I built fence and worked cows while in high school. I did this for about 4 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Sherlock Holmes The Complete Works of Author Conan Doyle.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I generally don't think in such terms, but for this question, Sherlock Holmes.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Time management. There never seems to be enough time to get everything done I think needs to be accomplished.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe that is is important that each performs the duties independent. The Governor might identify priorities, but the Legislature must perform the duties independent of undue influence.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I think that housing affordability and sufficient infrastructure are two very critical things for the State to flourish.

Other issues are home insurance. But recent actions by the Legislature is likely to be beneficial. We'll need to monitor and may need to take further action in the future.

Another area I think would be beneficial is the training of a skill workforce.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessary.

I think it is more beneficial that there is a clear understanding of their obligations. We do not need full time politicians in the Florida House or Senate. I think it is more critical we have citizen politicians (part time politicians).

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, I think it would be beneficial. One very good example would be Appropriations. It is very probable that a roadway improvement or constructed in an adjacent District is very likely to benefit an adjacent District.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Tommy Gregory - I really respect the way Tommy has conducted himself. I have been following and working with Tommy since his first campaign and have visited him in Tallahassee.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No. I have no future aspirations to do nothing more than the State House.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Rebecca Fowler - Cell: 352-275-6679, Email: Rfowler101966@gmail.com

She shared how she lost her daughter to an accidental overdose and I could feel & see the pain with which she was dealing with everyday. She is trying to do anything she can to keep others from suffering the same fate.

Tell us your favorite joke.

This may only be funny to engineers, but here it is

Question: Why did the engineer cross the road.

Answer: That's what he did on his last project.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I don't think it appropriate. If there is an emergency, it would be very difficult to call the Legislature to take action. A more appropriate approach might be to seek ratification of actions for the granting of an emergency.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

One related to housing affordability would be using the Live Local bill, but provide density bonuses to private developers willing to do 40% of the housing units as affordable at 30% to 80% and also 81% to 100% AMI, restricted for 30 years on properties designated or zones as multifamily. This would increase the number of available apartments built by the private entities.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Sheriff Kurt Hoffman

Manatee County Commissioner and Chairman Mike Rahn

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge

Manatee County Commissioner Jason Bearden

Manatee County Commissioner Ray Turner

Sarasota County Commissioner and Chair Mike Moran

Sarasota County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger

Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith

Sarasota County Commissioner Neil Rainford

Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder

Sarasota County Commission Candidate Teresa Mast

Former Sarasota County Commissioner Alan Maio

Realtors Association of Sarasota and Manatee County

Florida Electrical Cooperatives Association

Florida Home Builders Association

Florida Transportation Builders' Association

What committees interest you?

Infrastructure Strategies Committee - Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee, Transportation & Modals Subcommittee or Water Quality, Supply & Treatment Subcommittee. All of these of of interest and areas I have expertise in.

Appropriations Committee - Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee or Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I think financial transparency and government accountability is extremely important. It needs to be very clear that the decisions being made are for the benefit of the residents of Florida and not for their own gain.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I would be willing to discuss and debate specific initiative process, but I current do not have information that leading me to believe a specific change is needed.