Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Shawn Hamilton was unanimously confirmed today by the Senate, less than a day after a law was enacted that gave Gov. Ron DeSantis more say in the appointment process.
According to the News Service of Florida, Hamilton’s confirmation was held up for two days as the Senate waited for the House to approve the measure (SB 1658) changing appointment procedures. The House approved the bill Thursday, and DeSantis quickly signed it.
The new law, which went into effect upon the governor’s signature, increased the governor’s power to appoint the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, the commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the executive director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
DeSantis appointed Hamilton to the DEP Secretary position in late August. Hamilton has been with the agency since 2007 after a 20-year career with the U.S. Air Force.
