The move drew brickbats from Democrat Party rivals who call Bronson too pro-business and not enough pro-consumer.

The office of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services defends consumer complaints against unethical and illegal business operations in the state.

Bronson was elected to the Senate in 1994 and chairs the agriculture and natural resource committees. His family has been one of Central Florida's largest landowners for the past 50 years. As ag commissioner, Bronson will draw a starting salary of $118,957.

The 51-year-old senator replaces interim agriculture commissioner Terry Rhodes. Gov. Jeb Bush, a longtime friend of the Bronson family, hasn't set a special election date yet for Bronson's successor. Bronson will be one of six Cabinet members who, with Bush, vote on all key issues in the state.

The senator is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, GA.

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