About the Secretary
Secretary of State Cord Byrd
Secretary of State Cord Byrd was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis as Florida’s 37th Secretary of State. Secretary Byrd is a Constitutionalist who has spent his life fighting to ensure the Constitution’s promise of individual liberty, economic freedom and limited government.
As head of the Department of State, Secretary Byrd brings an energetic approach to his wide array of duties, which also includes State Protocol Officer, Florida’s Chief Elections Officer, and Florida’s Chief Arts and Culture Officer. Secretary Byrd is also the Chair of the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council which ensures that Florida’s state agencies remain the standard bearer for cybersecurity in the nation. Prior to being appointed, Secretary Byrd served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives.
Secretary Byrd is a fifth generation Floridian and native of the Jacksonville Beaches. He resides in Neptune Beach with his wife and children. He graduated with his BA from the University of North Florida and later earned his JD from St. Thomas University School of Law.
Throughout his life, Secretary Byrd has served his community, State and Country by teaching at risk youth at a public middle school, practicing law, speaking to civic groups, supporting veteran programs and helping legal immigrants become citizens.