The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the nation’s largest and most successful law enforcement association, is pleased to announce its leadership for the 2025-2026 year. The newly elected FSA President, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, will work with the staff and board of directors to guide the efforts and direction of FSA and its 67 elected sheriffs. 

Sheriff Dennis Lemma has served as Seminole County since 2017 and is the 10^th sheriff. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and FBI National Academy graduate, he began his law enforcement career in 1992 and has since held nearly every role within the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Lemma has been a statewide leader in combating substance abuse, serving as chair of both Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Opioid Abuse Working Group and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Drug Abuse Prevention Panel. Nationally, he was appointed to the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement, and he served on the All Sheriffs’ Authority as the representative for Florida. In 2022, he began a two-year term as President of the Major County Sheriffs of America, where he led the professional law enforcement association of the largest elected sheriffs’ offices in the nation.  

“It is a great honor to serve as President of the Florida Sheriffs Association. Leadership, at its core, is rooted in service, and I remain fully committed to supporting my fellow sheriffs and the citizens of Florida with integrity and purpose,” said Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our board of directors and the professional staff at FSA to guide the Association’s initiatives and to ensure that the Office of Sheriff remains the bedrock of public safety for generations to come.”  

Sheriff Lemma’s dedication to public service and addressing complex issues has made an impact not only in Seminole County and across Florida, but throughout the entire country. His commitment to FSA was showcased through his position as Vice President under Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell this past year, in addition to several other leadership roles within the Florida Sheriffs Association. 

Other FSA board appointments are: 

• Vice President: Sheriff Billy Woods, Marion County   
• Secretary: Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County  
• Treasurer: Sheriff Gator DeLoach, Putnam County  
• Immediate Past President: Sheriff Bill Prummell, Charlotte County 
• Chair: Sheriff A.J. Smith, Franklin County 
• Vice-Chair: Eric Flowers, Indian River County 

“At the Florida Sheriffs Association, our mission is to support and strengthen the Office of Sheriff through education, training, and legislative advocacy,” said FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan. “With Sheriff Dennis Lemma serving as president, the Association is well positioned to advance our vision of a safer, stronger Florida—driven by innovation, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment of our state’s sheriffs.” 

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About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.