Employee Profile: David Cruz

David Cruz: Advocate, Counsel and Friend

David Cruz is known by his colleagues and friends for being hardworking and helpful.

He has two unique roles as Deputy General Counsel/Legislative Counsel with the Florida League of Cities (FLC). As a member of the Legal Department, David provides in-house legal counsel for the League. He also assists the Legislative Department with legislative policy coordination, research, analysis and program development.

“I have the privilege to advocate on behalf of Florida cities before the Florida Legislature,” said David. He concentrates on land use and economic development. Specific advocacy areas include growth management, special districts, community redevelopment, sovereign immunity, insurance, private property rights, public-private partnerships and annexation legislation.

David acts as the legal counsel to the Florida Municipal Investment Trust (FMIvT), the Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund (FMPTF) and the Florida Municipal Loan Council (FMLC). He also advises City Attorneys on implementing new laws. As Legislative Counsel, David assists the Legislative Department in crafting and amending legislation and provides legal counsel to other League lobbyists on their legislative issues. He also participates in rule-making proceedings affecting municipalities and appears before legislative committees.

Fellow Deputy General Counsel Rebecca O’Hara said, “I really enjoy seeing him testify in legislative committees and the way he handles tough questions from legislators. He’s very good at explaining complicated concepts and getting his message across under pressure.”

David first learned about Florida’s legislative process while working for the Florida House of Representatives. He then attended law school and interned with the City of Coral Gables in the City Attorney’s office. David learned firsthand the important role cities play in addressing diverse issues. Upon passing the bar exam, he was hired by the League as a Legislative Advocate. David was later promoted to Assistant General Counsel and appointed to his current position in 2017.

David’s co-workers describe him as easygoing and compassionate. Scott Dudley, Director of Field Advocacy and Federal Affairs, said, “David cares a lot about being the best he can be at whatever he does, and that attitude is infectious. His sense of fairness and kindness are exemplary.”

Even among lawyers, David stands out. This fall, he achieved board certification in City, County and Local Government Law with the Florida Bar, which fewer than 311 Florida attorneys hold. In addition, David recently was accepted to the William H. Stafford Inn of Court, a prestigious group of lawyers, judges and law students who foster professionalism and civility in the justice system.

David also stands out based on his family background. Born and raised in Miami, David is bilingual and learned to speak Spanish before English. His parents are Cuban exiles who came to the United States at a young age in 1961. They’ve since retired – his father from banking and his mother from teaching. David’s sister, Laura, works for the City of Pembroke Pines as a licensed psychologist.

Family is important to David. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Tiffany, 8-year-old son, Carter, and 7-year-old daughter, Olivia. He especially enjoys fishing and scuba diving in some of Florida’s springs to explore underwater caves.

David’s caring nature extends beyond his family. “As good as he is at his day job, he’s an even better person and friend,” said Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “David is one of the most thoughtful people I know and would do anything to help a person in need.”