Florida Rep. Joe Casello dies while in office

Florida Democratic Lawmaker Joe Casello Passes Away at 73

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — Florida Democratic lawmaker Joe Casello has tragically passed away while in office after suffering from a heart attack, state House officials confirmed. He was 73 years old.

Casello, who was elected to the Florida House in 2018 representing a district in Boynton Beach, was surrounded by his loved ones including his girlfriend and family at the time of his passing on Friday, as announced by the Florida House Democratic Caucus on social media.

In a statement, the caucus expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support received during this challenging time.

Before his political career in Florida, Casello dedicated thirty years of service as a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts. He transitioned into politics and served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before being elected as a state lawmaker. Casello had recently announced his intentions to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026.

According to Florida law, Governor Ron DeSantis is mandated to initiate a special election or special primary election to fill the legislative seat left vacant by Casello’s passing.