Former U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, a longtime Florida Republican who served more than a decade in Congress, died Sunday at the age of 78. Posey died at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by his wife and two daughters, according to colleagues. His cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Rep. Mike Haridopolos announced the news in a statement, highlighting Posey’s lengthy public service career.
“Congressman Posey represented Florida in the United States House of Representatives from 2009 to 2025, following distinguished service in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate,” Haridopolos wrote.
“Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a principled conservative, a steadfast advocate for fiscal responsibility and government transparency, and a tireless supporter of America’s space program and the communities he proudly represented along Florida’s Space Coast,” he added.
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Posey was first elected to Congress in 2008 and took office in 2009, initially representing Florida’s 15th Congressional District before later serving the 8th District after redistricting.
Before his time in Washington, Posey built a long political career in Florida, serving on a city council before winning seats in the Florida House.
Later, the Florida Senate, where he established strong ties across the Space Coast region.
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In Congress, Posey served on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he focused on economic issues and aerospace policy critical to his district.
He was also affiliated with several conservative groups, including the House Freedom Caucus and Liberty Caucus.
The House Freedom Caucus paid tribute to Posey in a statement posted online.
“Congressman Bill Posey was a true statesman who deeply loved his country and served it with unwavering integrity. Thank you for your dedicated service to the Freedom Caucus, Congress, and the American people,” the group wrote.
“Your principled leadership and commitment to liberty left a lasting impact on our nation,” the caucus added.
Before entering politics, Posey worked for aerospace manufacturer McDonnell Douglas and contributed to the Apollo program at Kennedy Space Center. He later launched his own real estate business.
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According to his congressional biography, Posey earned an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also shared a tribute following Posey’s death.
“Bill was a genuinely good man and a faithful friend, and we are blessed to have served alongside him,” Johnson wrote.
“Kelly and I join in mourning this great loss, and our prayers are with his wife and high school sweetheart Katie, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time,” he added.
“Bill Posey was a good man who served Florida with distinction. He will be missed. RIP,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
“Bill Posey was a good conservative, and a real gentleman. He will be missed,” Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul said.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of former Congressman (Bill Posey). Bill was a respected colleague, a principled leader, and a dear friend to many of us who had the privilege of serving alongside him,” Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón said on X.
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“Bill always demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, guided by integrity, humility, and genuine care for others.
“I appreciate his steadfast support for Puerto Rico, from statehood to disaster recovery to better access to healthcare.
“Thank you Bill for always being a friend. Rest in peace and may Katie, Cathi and Pamela find strength and comfort in this difficult time,” she said.
Posey served eight terms in Congress before retiring in 2025, capping a public service career that stretched from local government to the halls of Congress, Florida Today reported.
He leaves behind a legacy tied to conservative politics, Florida’s Space Coast and the nation’s aerospace community.
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