Gary Howze, II named FHP Director
On April 6, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner announced Colonel Gary L. Howze II as the 15th Colonel of the Florida Highway Patrol.
Colonel Howze served with the Florida Highway Patrol from 1990 until his most recent appointment in 2019 as Director of Law Enforcement, Victim Services, and Criminal Justice Programs for the Florida Attorney General.
“Gary served our agency and Floridians with excellence and integrity, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role as Colonel of the Florida Highway Patrol to build a stronger, safer Florida,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“In accepting this position, I am truly coming home,” Howze said. “I have the utmost respect for the dedicated men and women who serve the State and protect Florida’s roadways and those citizens and visitors who travel them. I look forward to getting to work and am committed to clear, transparent communication in my leadership and actions. I will honor my solemn oath and execute upon the lawful orders directed to me.”
“Colonel Howze re-joins the Highway Patrol family as someone who has demonstrated commitment, accountability and service to this agency and the State,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “With over 30 years of experience, Colonel Howze joins me in leading this agency to new heights.”
Colonel Howze is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and certificates in Public Management and Supervisory Management.
He replaces Colonel Gene Spaulding who retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Florida Highway Patrol and the citizens of Florida. Thank you, Colonel Spaulding and good luck Colonel Howze!