Charles S.
Dean Sr., an American politician who served in the Florida Legislature, died on February 23, 2026, at age 86. A Republican, he served in the Florida Senate from 2007 to 2016, first representing the 3rd District and later the 5th District, which covered counties in North Florida.
Before his election to the Senate, Dean served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2007, representing the 43rd District. He was born in Jacksonville on May 31, 1939.
Charles S. Dean Sr. (May 31, 1939 – February 23, 2026) was an American Republican politician who served as a member of the Florida Senate, representing the 5th District, which includes Baker, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, western Marion, Suwannee, and Union Counties in North Florida, from 2012 to 2016, previously representing the 3rd District from 2007 to 2012. Before winning election to the Senate, Dean served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 43rd District from 2002 to 2007.