Michael Friend

Michael Friend earned a high school diploma from Hollywood Hills High School. He went on to earn a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2001. His career experience includes working as a dentist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a first generation American born in Hollywood, Florida. I was raised in a traditional Jewish home that was multi-generational surviving on SSDI as the result of a disability my father fell victim to after his military service. Although we did not have much financially, the expectations of my brother and I were grand. With full student loans, I attended the University of Pennsylvania and became a dentist. Upon graduation, we moved back home directly to District 102 where my wife of 25 years now, Hayley, and I set our roots in a community we believed in. We built a home and a business, became a healthcare provider, a teacher, and raised three wonderful children right here. Along the way we always gave back to our community whether it was coaching organized sports, partaking in the PTO or as a room parent in school, or staying active in our synagogue. Currently I am on the Circle of Impact Advisory Board at NSU COD, Town of Davie Public Art Advisory Committee, and a Legislative Contact Dentist for the Florida Dental Association. I am honored to call District 102 our home for the past 25 years and I am looking forward to bringing my lifelong Democratic values and common-sense mindset 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?

As a local dentist, I've spent my career caring for families across our community. I know the frustrations people face dealing with insurance and healthcare costs. I'll fight to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone.As a public-school parent and spouse of a prior Broward County teacher, I'll champion teachers and students by delivering safer schools and the resources educators need to help every child thrive.I'm a business owner who balances budgets and makes every dollar count. As a homeowner, I feel the same squeeze everyone feels. Affordability is the issue I hear every time I speak with our residents when out canvassing. I will work to deliver real insurance reform, grow our local economy, and make housing more affordable.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Being a dentist, healthcare will be one of my main goals to work on. I know our legislature has had a lack of healthcare prospective and feel my influence can make a huge difference in the lives of all in District 102 and Florida overall. I will work tirelessly to ensure we bridge the gap of care and ensure accessible and affordable healthcare with one standard of care regardless of zip code or socio-economic level.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Sun Sentinel, Hispanic Vote of Broward County, Broward County Democratic Black Caucus, Florida Dental Association, Florida Podiatric Medical Association, Florida Home Builders Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Hindu-American PAC, 3.14 Action, Florida Bankers Association, Florida Organization of Agents, Broward County Medical Association, Broward County Podiatric Medical Association, Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, Florida Justice Reform Institute, Broward Democratic Party Jewish Caucus, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Distinction, Florida Orthopaedic Society, Florida Society of Nephrology, Florida Association of Insurance Agents, Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Relators Broward/Palm Beaches/St. Lucie