Daryl D. Parks is a nationally respected attorney, successful businessman, and longtime Tallahassee community leader who is running for Tallahassee Mayor to help build a stronger, more inclusive future for Florida’s capital city. As a devoted father, Daryl carries the responsibility of parenthood into his work, fighting to ensure every child has the same opportunities he wants for his own.  His life’s journey, from humble beginnings to national recognition, reflects a simple truth he learned early on: when you work hard, stay focused, and lift others as you climb, success becomes possible for anyone.

Raised by a hardworking mother who instilled in him the values of perseverance, family, and community, Parks grew up understanding the barriers that keep too many people from getting ahead. Those early experiences shaped his belief that leadership should create real opportunities for everyday people, not just the well-connected or well-resourced.

Parks worked his way through college at Florida A&M University (FAMU) as a dishwasher and fast‑food worker, becoming the first in his family to attend college. While at FAMU, he made history as the first two‑term Student Government Association (SGA) President and pledged the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Nu Chapter. He graduated with degrees in economics and political science, a foundation that strengthened his understanding of how strong economies and strong communities grow together. He later earned his law degree from the Florida State University (FSU) College of Law, launching a career defined by advocacy, justice, and service.

As managing partner of Parks & Crump, LLC, a boutique law firm that grew to national prominence for standing up for the most vulnerable and fighting for the “little guy,” Parks helped build one of the most respected practices of its kind in the country. Today, he continues that work through his own law firm, representing individuals and families seeking fairness and accountability. His legal career has brought national attention to issues of justice and equity, with appearances on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and other major media outlets.

Beyond the courtroom, Parks is a small business owner, investor, and entrepreneur who understands the importance of the private sector in driving economic growth. His most recent venture, a national hospitality and airport concessions consulting group, demonstrates what happens when vision, determination, and innovation come together. Parks knows firsthand how business investment creates jobs, expands opportunity, and strengthens local economies.

His commitment to community runs just as deep. Parks has spent decades supporting organizations that improve lives across Tallahassee and the Big Bend, including the Tallahassee Urban League, Legal Services of North Florida, the Leon County Sickle Cell Foundation, and the Bethel Community Development Corporation. His former firm’s $1 million contribution to establish a legal aid center in Gadsden County expanded access to justice in one of Florida’s most underserved counties, an example of his belief that success means little unless it helps others succeed too.

Parks’ leadership has earned statewide and national recognition, including the Leadership Pacesetter Award from the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Leon County Small Business Award , the Henry Latimer Award from The Florida Bar, the Chairman’s Award from the NAACP National Leadership Summit, and the Johnnie L. Cochran Soaring Eagle Award from the American Association for Justice.

Parks’ has spent decades at the intersection of community, health, and service. He has served as Chair of his local sickle cell organization for more than 25 years, advocating for awareness, access to care, and support for families impacted by the disease. For the past seven years, he has also served as Chairperson of the Board at Bond Community Health Center, helping guide one of the region’s most critical providers of affordable, community-based healthcare. These experiences give him a deep, practical understanding of how health outcomes shape economic stability and quality of life, an advantage he brings into this election. His commitment to service is also grounded in his faith as a member of Bethel AME Church, where the values of compassion, justice, and community continue to guide his work.

A lifelong supporter of historically Black colleges and universities, Parks has served Florida A&M University as Chairman of the FAMU Foundation Board, Chairman of both the FAMU Foundation and Booster Club and Vice Chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees.He also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Committee to Marva Johnson, further strengthening his deep ties to Florida A&M University and its continued impact on the community. He remains deeply committed to strengthening educational opportunities for future generations. Daryl’s respected legal expertise and commitment to justice have earned him a series of uncommon and bipartisan appointments. He was first appointed by former Governor Charlie Crist to serve on the Judicial Nominating Commission for Florida’s First District Court of Appeal. He was later appointed by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson to the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Northern District of  Florida. Most recently, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio reappointed him, further underscoring the broad confidence in his judgment, integrity, and leadership across political lines.

Now, after decades of advocacy, business leadership, and community service, Daryl Parks is running for Mayor of Tallahassee. He believes the city is at a pivotal moment, one that calls for steady leadership, bold ideas, and a commitment to ensuring every resident has a fair shot at success. His vision focuses on lowering costs for families, strengthening neighborhoods, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

For Daryl Parks, leadership has always meant standing up for people, working hard, and building a community where everyone can thrive. His story is proof that with determination and purpose, anyone can rise, and he is ready to help Tallahassee rise with him.