Carlton Fields attorney and City of Miami Commissioner Francis X. Suarez was recognized by the Latin Builders Association as “Elected Official of the Year” at the organization’s 37th annual awards luncheon on September 29. The event was held at the Hilton Miami Downtown.

Suarez, a 2017 city of Miami mayoral candidate, was honored for his achievements, public service, and philanthropy throughout Miami-Dade County. Sandra Peebles, news reporter and anchor for Univision 23 Miami, served as master of ceremonies and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio was the keynote speaker.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor,” Suarez said. “The Latin Builders Association is such an important supporter and champion for Hispanics in the South Florida construction community and has helped to change our economy for the better.”

Established in 1971, The Latin Builders Association is the largest Hispanic construction association in the United States. A nonprofit organization, it includes a vast array of individuals and companies related to the South Florida construction industry. It has more than 750 member companies representing every aspect of South Florida’s vibrant construction industry.

Suarez’s civic accomplishments, on behalf of the city in which he was born and raised, are extensive. He currently serves as vice-chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, and immediate past president of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.

He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law and his B.A. from Florida International University.