Daniel T. McCarty, Jr.
(1912-1953)

Died aged c. 41

Daniel T. McCarty, Jr., Florida’s 31st Governor, was born January 18, 1912 in Fort Pierce. After graduating from the University of Florida, he was elected to the Florida Legislature at the age of 25. In 1941 he became the youngest person to be chosen Speaker of the House. During World War II he received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and French Croix de Guerre. McCarty became a candidate for governor in 1948, losing in the second primary to Fuller Warren. He was elected governor in 1952 and inaugurated January 3, 1953. Governor McCarty died after nine months in office. During his administration he supported construction of the Florida Turnpike and was influential in establishing medical schools at the University of Florida and the University of Miami.

OpenPlaques