TEAM / Nelson D. Diaz
Nelson is a Managing Partner in our Miami and Florida Keys offices.
Nelson Diaz joined The Southern Group’s Miami office in 2013. Focusing on government and community relations, Nelson has successfully represented local governments, businesses, trade associations, and other corporate clients before the Florida legislative and executive branches of government. Nelson has expertise in policy areas including campaigns, economic and business development, family law, gaming, Hispanic outreach, housing, land use and development, oil and gas, strategic planning, transportation, and travel and tourism.
Nelson began his political career as a volunteer in the 1996 presidential campaign, where he and other young leaders, including current U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and former Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez Cantera, worked to build a strong Republican Party base in South Florida. Since then, Nelson has worked on numerous political campaigns at every level, from presidential and U.S. Senate races to state races for governor, cabinet offices, Florida Senate and House of Representatives, as well as local campaigns for county commission, city council, and mayor. He also served as chief legislative aide to Marco Rubio when he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. As a result of Nelson’s service with Senator Rubio and his involvement in political campaigns, he has established an extensive network of contacts in Miami-Dade County and within the Florida Legislature. Nelson currently serves on Senator Rubio’s Judicial Advisory Commission.
In 15 years as a lobbyist, Nelson has represented corporate entities before the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, numerous Miami-Dade County agencies and departments, City of Miami, City of Hialeah, and several other municipal governments and authorities.
Nelson has successfully guided many corporate clients entering the south Florida market, providing community relations services and advising them how to navigate the local political waters.
Nelson is active in many local business and civic organizations. He served as chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County from 2012-2020 and currently serves on the executive board of the Republican Party of Florida. Nelson has served on the City of Miami’s Historical and Environmental Preservation Board as well as the Miami-Dade County Community Council of West Kendall. Additionally, Nelson is a past president of the Board of Directors for Kristi House. Former Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed Nelson to the statewide Children and Youth Cabinet for his service and advocacy on behalf of Florida’s children.
Nelson earned a BA in international relations with a certificate in Latin American and Caribbean studies from Florida International University. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Law cum laude and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004. Nelson lives in Miami with his wife and daughter.
