Safari Club International Selects Representative Lauren Melo as 2025 State Legislator of the Year Awardee
Washington, D.C. — Safari Club International is proud to present Representative Lauren Melo (R-FL-80) its 2025 State Legislator of the Year award for her unwavering dedication to the people of Florida and their rights that facilitate the state’s hunting heritage. As a legislator, Representative Melo has consistently championed the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to hunt and fish and the Second Amendment, while prioritizing the reduction of red tape to enhance economic growth in Florida.
Over the past two years, Representative Melo introduced HJR 1157 (also known as Amendment 2 on this year’s general election ballot) to protect Floridians’ right to hunt and fish and designate hunting and fishing as the preferred means of wildlife management in the state. Despite early challenges and discouragement from other political forces, Representative Melo’s tireless advocacy and determination resulted in overwhelming bipartisan support for HJR 1157 and its companion Senate bill, which respectively passed both chambers with only one dissenting vote. Florida voters ultimately approved Amendment 2 by a vote of 67% in favor of the measure.
“Thanks to Representative Melo’s steadfast leadership, Florida voters had the opportunity this past November to protect our cherished sporting traditions for future generations,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “Her work ensures that Florida will remain a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, even as pressures from anti-hunting movements grow nationwide.”
“SCI is thrilled to award Representative Melo with SCI’s State Legislator of the Year award to honor her exemplary accomplishments and her firm stance shoulder-to-shoulder with SCI in order to be First for Hunters,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “Florida’s Legislature is lucky to have such a pro-hunting, pro-conservation lawmaker among their ranks.”
Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Representative Melo is not only a dedicated legislator but also a successful businesswoman. After founding a trucking company in 1991, she grew it into a large fleet operation. She now owns a thriving real estate brokerage, balancing her business success with personal resilience, having overcome a year-and-a-half battle with breast cancer while continuing to serve her community. She is also the proud mother of three, including a son who recently returned from combat deployment in Afghanistan.
Background:
For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.