Cary A. Hardee

Cary Augustus Hardee (November 13, 1876 – November 21, 1957) was the 23rd Governor of Florida.

Cary A. Hardee
23rd Governor of Florida
In office January 4, 1921 – January 6, 1925
Preceded by	Sidney J. Catts
Succeeded by	John W. Martin
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
In office 1915–1917
Preceded by	Ion Farris
Succeeded by	George H. Wilder
Personal details
Born	(1876-11-13)November 13, 1876 Taylor County, Florida
Died	November 21, 1957(1957-11-21) (aged 81) Live Oak, Florida
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Maude Randell Hardee

Born in Taylor County, Florida, he spent most of his life in Live Oak, Florida. He was a lawyer, state attorney, member of the Florida House of Representatives, and speaker of the Florida House before being elected governor. He took office on January 4, 1921.

During his term, the state adopted constitutional amendments that reapportioned the legislature and prohibited the levying of state income and inheritance taxes. He also halted the practice of leasing state prisoners out to private businesses. During his term as governor electrocution became a legal method of execution in Florida.

Hardee left office on January 6, 1925. He ran for governor again in 1932, but lost out in the Democratic primary. He was a banker in Live Oak until his death in 1957.

Hardee County, Florida is named in his honor.