Al Higginbotham is a native Floridian born in Plant City.

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science specializing in South American Government.

He has served as a staff assistant to a United States Congressman and later as the executive assistant to a member of the Florida Cabinet.

In 1979 he left public service and founded Market Place Real Estate, Inc., a residential real estate brokerage in Orlando, Florida.  By the late 1980’s Market Place Real Estate had become a successful real estate company in Central Florida. 

In 1991, Al sold the company and returned to Plant City with his wife of 27 years, Devon, and their two children Allen, III and Kaylon.

In 1995, Al suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of a hunting accident leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.  Through a strong faith, hard work and perseverance, Al has triumphed over his physical limitations.

Al’s book about his life experience, By Faith... I’m Still Standing was released in December of 2001.

Over the past decade, Al has been a tireless community leader actively involved in agricultural, political and faith-based causes.  He has also been a passionate advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities.

In 2003, Al was elected Chairman of the Hillsborough County Republican Party and under his leadership the local party has tripled in membership and quadrupled in funds raised.

The local party’s explosive growth under Al’s direction laid the foundation for his election as Chairman of the State Chairman’s Caucus for the Republican Party of Florida in 2005.

In November 2006, Al was elected Hillsborough County Commissioner representing District 4 in eastern Hillsborough County.