The Florida Senate paused for nearly two hours during a floor session in Tallahassee to honor one of its most respected members.

Senators from both parties rose one by one to recognize the service of Sen. Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg Democrat whose career has spanned nearly two decades in the Florida Legislature. What followed was a series of emotional reflections about a lawmaker many described as the chamber’s moral compass.

The tribute came as Rouson approaches the end of his Senate tenure. He has served in the Florida Legislature since 2008 and in the Senate since 2016, representing District 16, which includes St. Petersburg and parts of Tampa.

Senate President Ben Albritton opened the recognition by welcoming Rouson’s family and guests to the chamber. Among those present were his wife Angela Rouson, his children and extended family, along with staff members and longtime supporters.

A video played on the Senate floor highlighted Rouson’s legislative work and personal journey. In it, he reflected on the moment that changed his life nearly three decades ago.

“Twenty-seven years ago when I woke up in a treatment facility, I will never forget the day I asked for help,” Rouson said in the video, recalling the turning point that led to his recovery from addiction.

That experience would later shape much of his legislative work.

Sen. Danny Burgess of Zephyrhills described Rouson as “a statesman among politicians” whose influence extended far beyond policy debates.

Others echoed that view.

Sen. Jason Pizzo of Hollywood spoke about Rouson’s unique ability to combine personal experience with policy leadership. Pizzo highlighted Rouson’s advocacy on addiction recovery long before the opioid crisis became a national issue.

“Long before the opioid crisis made treatment a mainstream conversation, Senator Rouson was already fighting to expand access to recovery services,” Pizzo said.

Pizzo added that Rouson’s work was deeply personal.

“He brought personal understanding to that work, and it showed in the quality and sincerity of his advocacy,” he said.

Several senators shared stories that revealed Rouson’s character outside the legislative arena.

Sen. Nick DiCeglie of St. Petersburg recalled how Rouson once drove four hours home late at night to deal with a family issue, then returned to Tallahassee in time for an early morning committee meeting.

“That told me a lot about you,” DiCeglie said. “You became a great friend and someone I have immense respect for.”

Sen. Shevrin Jones of Miami Gardens spoke about the mentorship Rouson provided when he first entered the Legislature.

Jones said Rouson helped teach him how to navigate the Senate’s culture and legislative negotiations.

“I don’t know a better negotiator,” Jones said. “You’ve been a sounding board for me when I had questions.”

Jones added that the Senate would feel different without him.

“This process is going to be a little dim without you,” he said.

Other speakers focused on Rouson’s impact on communities affected by addiction and mental health challenges.

Sen. Rosalind Osgood of Fort Lauderdale credited him with changing how the state talks about addiction.

“You didn’t just get clean,” Osgood said. “You carried the mantle and you put it into public policy.”

She highlighted Senate Bill 1620, a major behavioral health measure that expanded treatment access and helped shift the state’s approach from punishment to recovery.

Republican senators also offered praise.

Sen. Jay Collins of Tampa said Rouson helped create space for honest conversations about difficult policy issues.

“You afforded me the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about issues that many people don’t want to discuss,” Collins said.

Sen. Ed Hooper of Clearwater, a longtime colleague from Pinellas County, described Rouson as one of the most respected members of the Legislature.

“You’re loved and appreciated and deeply respected,” Hooper said during his remarks.

When Rouson finally rose to speak, he reflected on a path few would have predicted.

“I was projected not to win,” he told the chamber, recalling his first campaign after returning home from addiction treatment.

During that campaign, he said, an opponent publicly listed his past struggles during a debate.

Instead of denying them, Rouson embraced the truth.

“Everything my opponent said about me is true,” he said he told voters at the time.

But he framed the election as something deeper.

The vote was scheduled during the Christian season of Lent, leading to Easter. Rouson told voters the moment symbolized redemption and new life.

“How dare a man suggest another man cannot become something because of what he used to be,” he said.

Rouson ultimately won that race, beginning a legislative career that voters would renew again and again.

Over the years, he said, he learned that the Legislature comes down to three responsibilities: stop bad policy, create good policy and, when necessary, shape outcomes through the state budget.

More important, he said, was learning how to work with people.

“I’ve learned that today’s adversary in committee can become tomorrow’s ally on the floor,” Rouson said.

As the recognition concluded, senators from both parties stood in applause.