Florida Cabinet Appointed Larry Keefe to Lead FDLE

The Florida Cabinet approved Larry Keefe as the new commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a law enforcement badge, symbolizing the state government appointment of the new commissioner. — The Florida Cabinet appointed former federal prosecutor Larry Keefe as commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Tuesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the appointment of Larry Keefe to serve as the commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Keefe, a former federal prosecutor, takes over the role from Mark Glass.

Why it matters

The appointment places a long-time ally of the current administration at the helm of the state's primary law enforcement agency. The role requires confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The transition involves Larry Keefe, a trial attorney with 30 years of experience, replacing Mark Glass as the head of the department. Keefe previously earned an annual salary of $102,000 in his prior public service roles.

The players

Larry Keefe

He is a former federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Florida who previously served as the state's public safety czar.

Mark Glass

He is the former commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement who transitioned to a role as undersheriff for the Miami-Dade Sheriff.

Andrew Warren

He is the former Hillsborough State Attorney who was ousted from his position in 2023 with the assistance of Larry Keefe.

The details

Larry Keefe previously served as the state's public safety czar and led the State Board of Immigration Enforcement until October 2025. He was involved in arranging migrant flights in 2022 and assisted in the 2023 ouster of Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren.

Larry Keefe earned a law degree from the University of Florida in 1986.
Keefe arranged migrant flights to other states in 2022.
Keefe assisted in the ousting of Andrew Warren in 2023.
Keefe served as immigration enforcement head until October 2025.
The appointment was approved on September 29, 2026.

Market Landscape

This appointment reflects broader shifts in state leadership as the administration fills top-tier vacancies before the transition of the governorship in January 2027. It signals a move to maintain specific policy priorities within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The leadership change at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement may signal shifts in departmental priorities for the public. Residents may notice changes in agency focus or enforcement strategies under the new commissioner.

The takeaway

The appointment of Larry Keefe marks a strategic change in state-level law enforcement leadership. His transition from immigration enforcement to this role highlights the administration's focus on maintaining continuity in its public safety agenda.