Mike Haridopolos

Former Florida Rep. Bill Posey, a longtime Republican lawmaker known for fiscal conservatism and his support of America's space program, has died at 78.

Posey died Sunday at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida, according to Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla. He was surrounded by his wife and two daughters.

No cause of death was announced.

In a statement posted on X, Haridopolos honored Posey's years of public service at both the federal and state levels.

"Congressman Posey represented Florida in the United States House of Representatives from 2009 to 2025, following distinguished service in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate," Haridopolos wrote.

"Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a principled conservative, a steadfast advocate for fiscal responsibility and government transparency, and a tireless supporter of America's space program and the communities he proudly represented along Florida's Space Coast," he added.

Posey spent 16 years in Congress representing Florida districts along the Space Coast, where he built a reputation as a dependable conservative and advocate for the aerospace industry.

Before his election to Congress, Posey served in local government and in both chambers of the Florida Legislature. His political rise followed years of involvement in Brevard County civic affairs and Republican politics.

While in Washington, Posey served on the House Financial Services Committee as well as the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where he focused on issues tied to NASA and Florida's aerospace sector.

He also aligned himself with several conservative groups on Capitol Hill, including the House Freedom Caucus.

"Congressman Bill Posey was a true statesman who deeply loved his country and served it with unwavering integrity," the House Freedom Caucus said in a statement on X. "Thank you for your dedicated service to the Freedom Caucus, Congress, and the American people."

"Your principled leadership and commitment to liberty left a lasting impact on our nation," the caucus added.

Outside politics, Posey worked in aerospace at McDonnell Douglas and contributed to Apollo-related efforts at Kennedy Space Center before launching a real estate business.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., remembered Posey as both a respected lawmaker and close friend and said his family was joining Posey's in "mourning this great loss."