He received his juris doctor degree from the University of Florida in 1981, and is a candidate for a master of arts degree in American History from the University of North Florida. Prior to joining the full-time faculty at the college, he was engaged in the private practice of law for 25 years. A former mayor of St. Augustine and member of the Florida House of Representatives, he currently serves as a trustee of the St. Augustine Historical Society, the Historic St. Augustine Research Institute, and Lightner Museum. His business interests include serving as a director of Prosperity Bank, a community bank headquartered in St. Augustine.