Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award from Florida Association of Counties

Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine has been awarded the Marlene Young Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), one of the highest honors in Florida local government. Named in memory of former Polk County Commissioner and FAC President Marlene Young, the award recognizes extraordinary and sustained leadership in public service.

The award was presented last Friday during FAC’s Annual Conference and Educational Exposition in Orange County. The honor recognizes Commissioner Constantine’s more than 40 years of public service and his lasting dedication to preserving home rule and strengthening communities across Florida.

“Commissioner Constantine’s leadership, passion, and tireless advocacy for local government have left a lasting mark on the State of Florida,” said FAC Executive Director Ginger Delegal. “This award recognizes not only his years of service but the depth of his impact.”

A University of Central Florida graduate, Constantine began his public service career in 1978 when he became the youngest person ever elected in the history of the City of Altamonte Springs, where he served for 14 years as Commissioner and Mayor. He later served in the Florida House of Representatives (1992–2000) and the Florida Senate (2000–2010), representing Orange and Seminole counties. He was elected to the Seminole County Commission in 2012 and has since been re-elected in 2016 and 2020, including service as Board Chairman.

Constantine has also held numerous leadership roles within FAC, including President, and served on multiple policy, legislative, finance, and audit committees. As FAC President, he has directed the organization’s policy and advocacy efforts and helped shape the statewide conversation on the importance of local control.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my colleagues,” said Commissioner Constantine. “Public service has been my life’s calling, and I remain committed to protecting the quality of life for Seminole County residents and advocating for strong, self-determined local communities across Florida.”

The Florida Association of Counties, established in 1929, represents Florida’s 67 counties and promotes local decision-making through its focus on home rule. The FAC Board of Directors consists of one commissioner from each of Florida’s Senate districts, along with executive officers, at-large members, and past presidents.