Congressman Daniel Webster, Florida's longest-serving elected official, announced Tuesday that he will retire from public office at the conclusion of his current term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 77-year-old Republican from Florida's 11th Congressional District, which spans central Florida including parts of Lake, Sumter, Polk, Orange, Hernando, and Citrus counties, cited family as a key reason for his decision. "After much prayerful consideration and discussion with my beloved wife Sandy, I have decided not to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives," Webster said in a statement. "The time has come to pass the torch to the next conservative leader and spend more precious time with my wife, children, and 24 grandchildren."

Webster's career in public service spans more than 45 years. He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1980, where he later served as speaker in 1996. He then moved to the Florida Senate, becoming majority leader in 2006. Webster entered Congress in 2011 during the Tea Party wave, defeating Democrat Alan Grayson in Florida's 8th District before the seat became the 11th District. He won re-election comfortably in subsequent cycles as the region shifted toward Republicans.

Known for his low-key style and focus on district priorities, Webster holds a senior position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His legislative achievements include leading efforts to end government regulations stifling job growth, improving infrastructure for waterways, roads, and highways, and securing funding for the U.S. Coast Guard. He supported the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which eliminated depreciation schedules to aid small businesses, and advocated for a Social Security income tax credit in last year's Working Families Tax Cuts bill.

Webster emphasized fiscal responsibility, reducing his congressional salary and office budget annually to return over $6 million to the Treasury. His office has assisted constituents in recovering nearly $32 million from federal agencies like the VA, Social Security, IRS, and Medicare. "I ran for office because I wanted to change public policy. Fighting to protect our freedoms, values, life, and liberty; lower taxes; invest in our veterans and active-duty military, infrastructure, and precious ecosystems has energized me every day," he said.

The announcement comes amid a wave of Republican retirements ahead of the 2026 elections. Webster is the latest GOP lawmaker to opt out, joining dozens not seeking re-election. He plans to finish strong this Congress, focusing on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's reauthorization bill for roads, bridges, transit, and rail, as well as measures to maintain U.S. leadership in space and technology.

Webster's retirement opens Florida's 11th District, a solidly Republican seat, to a competitive primary. No successor has been endorsed, but he called for the next conservative leader to carry forward his work.