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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his recommendation of Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Education, following the departure of Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., who has been appointed Interim President of the University of West Florida.

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In his statement, Governor DeSantis praised Kamoutsas for his work on issues central to DeSantis’ education agenda, stating:

“Stasi Kamoutsas has delivered on important issues like parental rights, school choice, and fighting back against radical ideologies in education. I am confident that he will continue to serve our state well as the next Commissioner of Education, and I thank Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. for his dedicated and productive service.”

Kamoutsas, who has worked behind the scenes in Florida’s education policy for years, expressed gratitude for the governor’s confidence in him.

“I’m honored to have the trust and support of Governor Ron DeSantis to be Florida’s Commissioner of Education,” Kamoutsas said. “Under my tenure, the Florida Department of Education will remain committed to student safety and success, empowering parents, and supporting teachers. I look forward to working with the State Board of Education to ensure that Florida remains the education state.”

A Trusted DeSantis Insider

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Anastasios Kamoutsas is not a new face in Tallahassee. He has played a key role in Florida’s education policy since 2019, when he joined the Florida Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel. He quickly rose through the ranks, first serving as General Counsel and later as Chief of Staff at the Department of Education under then-Commissioner Richard Corcoran.

Kamoutsas later joined Governor DeSantis’ executive office as Deputy Chief of Staff, where he oversaw major policy efforts not only in education, but also in law enforcement and emergency management. His work has directly supported some of DeSantis’ most high-profile legislative priorities, including expanding school choice, restricting certain classroom content on race and gender, and promoting what the administration has called “parental rights” in education — policies that have drawn both national praise and criticism.

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Legal and Academic Background

Kamoutsas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Florida International University and earned his Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law — a private Christian university known for producing many conservative legal and political professionals.

Regent University has been a growing pipeline for many in conservative legal circles and is frequently cited as a training ground for officials who advance policies aligned with religious liberty, limited government, and conservative social values.

Stepping Into a Politically Charged Role

The role of Florida Commissioner of Education has become one of the most politically scrutinized positions in state government as DeSantis has made education a centerpiece of his broader political platform. Kamoutsas will be tasked with continuing to implement these controversial policies at a time when Florida’s approach to education has become a national flashpoint, with ongoing legal challenges, federal scrutiny, and fierce public debate.

His appointment will require approval by the Florida State Board of Education, which is expected to move quickly on the recommendation.

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