Dean Cannon Attorney At Law

Transformational leader and savvy strategist with deep roots in Florida law and politics. Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives collaborating with clients and colleagues to inspire change and accelerate growth.

Dean Cannon is president and chief executive officer of GrayRobinson. An agile and affable leader, he guides the strategic direction of the firm through a collaborative approach with a focus on delivering exceptional service to clients and empowering the firm’s professionals. Respected and appreciated by clients and colleagues alike, Dean believes in the power of community as the driving force behind positive change. He understands that technology, innovation, and creativity are redefining the practice and profession of law and supports a culture where a diversity of ideas and collective thinking are the catalyst for growth.

Dean is a natural connector and curator of relationships. He draws on his many years of successful public and private sector leadership to inform his decision making and mobilize the collective energy of the firm’s nearly 300 legal and lobbying professionals. A thoughtful and perceptive ally, he helps clients and colleagues break through limitations to advance their priorities and realize success.

Dean’s depth of experience and insightful perspectives are among his most powerful assets. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2004 until 2012. During his eight-year tenure, he played pivotal roles in property tax reform, growth management reform, health care and Medicaid reform, and major transportation infrastructure policy initiatives, among many others. He was selected by his peers to become Speaker of the House for the 2010 to 2012 term and is credited with leading the Florida House effectively during a time of great economic and political turmoil.

Dean's legislative and executive branch lobbying experience includes representing private clients and local government entities on issues including transportation, education, health care, insurance, and appropriations matters. He has also handled civil litigation, administrative law, and regulatory matters before the Division of Administrative Hearings, and appellate matters before district courts of appeal and the Florida Supreme Court. He represents several corporate clients, local governments, regional government entities, and local government-related associations.

• Recognition
  • Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Practice, 2021-2023
  • City and State Florida, Power 100 Most Influential Political Players in the Sunshine State, 2022
  • Florida Politics, Florida Politician of the Decade, 2010-2020
  • Florida Super Lawyers, selected for inclusion, 2022
  • Florida Trend, Florida's 500: Florida's Most Influential Business Leaders, 2019-2020, 2022
  • Florida Trend, Legal Elite, Government & Administrative, 2020
  • INFLUENCE Magazine, The INFLUENCE 150, 2022
• Insights
  • "GrayRobinson Florida Legislative Session Weekly Roundup," April 9, 2021
  • "Restoring Bilateral Trade Between Canada and Florida," GrayRobinson Webinar, March 11, 2021
  • "The COVID-19 Overdose Crisis: 2021 Legislative Session," Project Opioid, February 11, 2021
  • "The Winners Circle: Covering Florida’s Election Results," GrayRobinson Webinar, November 4, 2020
  • "Kitchen Table Talk on Reopening Florida Schools," GrayRobinson 101 Virtual Pop-up Forum, June 18, 2020
  • 2019 Future of Florida Forum, Florida Chamber Foundation, October 28, 2019
  • "Navigating the Thorny Issues of Preemption and Home Rule," Florida Association of Counties 2019 Annual Conference & Educational Exposition, June 13, 2019
  • "Legislative Temperature and Trends—Major Issues Facing Florida Legislature," Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, February 5, 2019
  • "Lobbying 101," Florida Association of Women Lawyers Lobby Days, February 1, 2018
  • "Lobbying 101: Learn from the Pros on Effectively Communicating with Legislators," Florida League of Cities 57th Annual Legislative Conference, December 6, 2017
• Affiliations
  • Enterprise Florida, Board Member, 2019-2022
  • Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists
  • Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce
  • Leadership Florida Cornerstone, Class 19
  • Orlando Economic Partnership, Board Member
  • Space Florida, Board Member, 2019-2022
• Credentials
  • J.D., University of Florida College of Law, 1992
  • B.S., University of Florida, 1989 
• Admissions
  • Florida
• Media
  • "The INFLUENCE 150: The most influential people in Florida politics," Florida Politics, September 23, 2022
  • "Lobbying compensation: Ballard Partners narrowly earns No. 1 in Q2," Florida Politics, September 6, 2022