The Southern Group has bolstered its South Florida presence by hiring Parkland native Stephen Marante to its Broward office. Marante arrives with a portfolio of public-sector roles that touch on economic recruitment, workforce strategy and insurance oversight, positioning him to advise private clients and public entities across a range of policy areas.
Across his career, Marante worked inside state government, developing familiarity with legislative workflows and executive branch priorities. At The Southern Group he will focus on matters including land use, transportation, infrastructure, insurance and economic development, representing clients before both state and local agencies.
Background and public-sector experience
Marante’s most recent role was as Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs at the Florida Department of Commerce and SelectFlorida. In that capacity he coordinated legislative strategy and helped align policy initiatives related to workforce development, business recruitment and international trade with local planning efforts. His responsibilities required close cooperation with lawmakers, agency leaders and community stakeholders.
Earlier in his career, Marante served at the Office of Insurance Regulation during a period when Florida’s property insurance market faced persistent pressures. There he worked under former Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, who is now a partner at The Southern Group. That experience gave Marante hands-on exposure to regulatory processes and insurance-policy debates that remain central to many client concerns in Florida.
From student leader to state policy professional
Marante’s interest in public affairs traces back to his time as a student leader in Broward County. In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he took part in school safety dialogues and served as the sole student representative on a state task force that examined safety recommendations. Those early responsibilities helped shape his approach to community-focused policy work.
He subsequently completed internships in the Florida House, worked as a Senate legislative assistant and joined the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program. That pathway exposed him to legislative drafting, constituent engagement and executive branch coordination—skills he now brings to private-sector advocacy.
Role at The Southern Group and local impact
At The Southern Group’s Broward office, Marante will act as a point of contact for clients seeking navigation of complex approval processes and policy questions at both municipal and state levels. The firm highlighted his deep regional ties and his ability to bridge policy discussions with practical outcomes for developers, businesses and local governments.
Nick Matthews, Broward managing partner, emphasized Marante’s local connections and policy acumen as reasons he will be an asset to the team. Senior managing partner Rachel Cone also noted that his combined insight into legislative mechanics and economic issues will benefit clients across South Florida.
Reputation among lawmakers
Marante has earned endorsements from elected officials who have worked with him in state government. Representative Chip LaMarca praised his blend of engagement and professionalism and expressed confidence in Marante’s ability to contribute to Florida’s economic growth from his new role. Incoming House Democratic Leader Christine Hunschofsky described him as well respected for his time at the Office of Insurance Regulation and the Department of Commerce, highlighting his resourcefulness and service orientation.
Why this hire matters
The addition of Marante strengthens The Southern Group’s local bench at a time when South Florida faces ongoing challenges related to development pressures, transportation needs and insurance market dynamics. His combination of state-level experience and Broward roots offers the firm an enhanced capacity to support clients navigating permitting, regulatory reviews and economic incentive negotiations.
For clients, Marante’s background means access to an advisor familiar with the key levers of state policy—an advantage when timing, coordination and stakeholder relationships make the difference between a stalled project and a successful approval. His prior roles provided exposure to executive coordination and legislative strategy, both valuable when advocating in a multifaceted policy environment.
Looking ahead
As The Southern Group expands its footprint in South Florida, the firm continues to recruit professionals who combine government experience with local knowledge. Marante’s appointment signals that emphasis and suggests the firm is preparing to handle a wider array of client needs in Broward and surrounding counties.
For stakeholders monitoring policy and permitting developments, his arrival is notable: it strengthens an existing network inside state agencies and offers clients a practitioner who has worked on issues ranging from insurance regulation to economic development planning. The firm and its new senior advisor will likely play an active role in conversations that shape South Florida’s growth and regulatory response in the years ahead.
