Hayden Dempsey is the Chair of the Florida Government Law & Policy Practice. He lobbies on behalf of numerous private corporations, municipalities, associations, and not for profit entities before both the state of Florida and federal governments. Hayden has decades of experience representing clients in legislative matters, including the passage of legislation, amendments, and appropriations. Areas of experience include Medicaid and health policy, gaming, appropriations, agency procurement, qualified opportunity zones, senior living regulation, transportation and infrastructure, health care regulatory matters, workers compensation, and election law. He also focuses on the lobbying of insurance issues and other regulatory matters before the Office of Insurance Regulation and the Florida Legislature.
Hayden has broad governmental experience, having served in four governors’ administrations. Hayden served as Special Counsel to Gov. Rick Scott, where he oversaw the Legislative Affairs Office and advised the Governor and his staff on legislative, policy, and budget issues. He also worked closely with the Governor’s agencies to assist in development and passage of their legislative priorities. Hayden also served as Legislative Affairs Director, Deputy General Counsel, and Legislative Counsel for Gov. Jeb Bush. He started his professional career working for Gov. Bob Martinez and Gov. Lawton Chiles.
Hayden represented the presidential campaigns of Bush-Cheney ’04, Florida and McCain-Palin '08, and the gubernatorial campaigns of Gov. Rick Scott, Gov. Charlie Crist, and Gov. Jeb Bush. Hayden also represented Congressman Vern Buchanan in the 2006 election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Thirteenth Congressional District of Florida.
Hayden is a four-time Ironman triathlon finisher.
Concentrations
•Governmental affairs
•Appropriations
•Medicaid and health care policy and regulation
•Insurance regulation and legislation
•Transportation and infrastructure
•Administration and regulatory litigation
•Procurement
•Senior living regulation
•Gaming
•Workers' compensation
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America
•Government Relations Practice, 2007-2011, 2018-2026
•Administrative / Regulatory Law, 2021-2026
•Listed, INFLUENCE Magazine, 'Most Powerful People in Florida Health Care Politics,' 2023
•Selected, City & State Florida, “Health Care Power 100,” 2022
•Team Member, Best Lawyers in America, 'Top Listed - Government Relations,' 2018
•Team Member, BTI Power Rankings, “The 16 Strongest Firms for ‘Go-To Outside Counsel’ Insurance Work,” 2016
•Team Member, a U.S. News - Best Lawyers 'Government Relations Law Firm of the Year,' 2014
•Ranked, Tier 1 - Government Relations, Tallahassee Metropolitan Area
