Jim King believes in a common sense approach to good government and is strongly committed to enhancing public education, improving the criminal justice system, lowering taxes, creating a strong economy for Florida, and making government more efficient. He is currently a candidate for the Florida Senate, District 8.

     In November of 1986, Jim King won the election for State Representative. In his first term, Jim was awarded the "Outstanding Business and Industry Award" because he has always championed issues that were of concern to the business community. His peers in the House of Representatives also selected him as the "Most Outstanding First Term Legislator". During his first year as a legislator, he was selected as President of the Republican freshman class and has risen to power in House Leadership since that time. During the 1992 Legislative Session, Representative King was deeply honored when his peers, the Republican members of the House of Representatives, awarded him the title of "Most Outstanding Caucus Member". He is past Chairman of the Duval Legislative Delegation, and has consistently been ranked in the top 12 of the 120 House members as one of the most effective. This rating is done by an independent ranking service.

     Since his election in 1986, Jim has been known in Tallahassee as "the businessman's legislator". He was honored by the National Federation of Independent Business as the "Guardian of Small Business", for his continued efforts on behalf of the business community. He has also received the "Legislator of the Year" award from the Jacksonville Association of Realtors. Representative King has been repeatedly named "Legislator of the Year" by the Duval Teachers United (DTU), for his strong commitment to education; particularly, in securing increased funding for education without raising taxes. His efforts in enhancing Florida's environment were recognized by the Florida Conservation Association when he was named their outstanding legislator, and in October of 1998, King was chosen as Ducks Unlimited's "Outstanding Legislator". While in the House of Representatives, Jim served as House Majority Leader, and recently served as Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and Fiscal Responsibility Council.

     Jim, a self-made businessman, sold the controlling interest in his companies, The Jim King Companies, to Wackenhut Corporation in 1997. He had started the personnel recruiting/temporary help/employee leasing firm in 1969 and built the company into a multi-million dollar enterprise with a regional reputation.

     Jim is married to the former Linda Braddock and they have lived in East Arlington for over 20 years.