Education
Yale University; University of Florida.
Yale University; University of Florida.
As Secretary of State, Smathers reformed election laws, modernized the Division of Corporations, became involved in the "Atocha" treasure dispute, expanded support for cultural affairs, and was best known as leader of the successful effort to preserve Florida"s Historic State Capitol (1845–1978). (The cabinet was substantially changed in 1998). After serving as Secretary of State he launched an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign losing to Bob Graham.
He is the younger son of George Smathers, former Congressman and United States. Senator for Florida.
After attending the Saint Alban"s School, Smathers earned an undergraduate degree in Economics from Yale University (with honors) and a law degree from University of Florida (Florida Blue Key and Florida Law Review). A Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps graduate, he joined Underwater Demolition Team Eleven, served with Naval Special Warfare Pacific, and was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran.
After his political career, he combined law with lobbying, running family orange and automobile businesses, and became a successful investor serving on various private and charitable boards.
Smathers was the youngest member of the Florida Cabinet in the twentieth century at his time of entry. The six members of the Florida Cabinet and the Governor then constituted the State Board of Education, and administered the Department of General Services, the Department of Criminal Law Enforcement, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Revenue and the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. Smathers was college roommates with two different members of Congress.