Vote Sam Kaufman in the August 18 election — vote early, by mail, or on Election Day.
For ten years, Sam has consistently shown up for the issues that matter most to Key West residents.
Making Key West More Affordable
Affordability is the biggest challenge facing many of the people who call Key West home.
Throughout his time on the Commission, Sam has consistently supported practical solutions that help working families, protect local jobs, and make it possible for the next generation to continue living here.
Leading advocacy to secure 166 new workforce housing units at Sigsbee Park.
Worked over many years to help advance Garden View Apartments, Poinciana permanent supportive housing, and the Truman Waterfront Lofts rental and homeownership workforce housing units.
Sponsor of renewed funding for the Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Consistently advocated for inclusion of affordable housing in major redevelopment projects.
Protecting Our Water
Our environment isn't just part of our economy—it's part of who we are.
Sam has consistently advocated for cleaner water, stronger environmental protections, and thoughtful investments that preserve our island for future generations.
Sponsored the City's Ordinance requiring water quality testing.
Worked to fund an increase in harbor water testing.
Sponsored the creation of the Plastic Free Key West Program
Healthcare Leadership
Access to quality healthcare is essential to a strong community.
Sam has worked to improve healthcare for Key West residents by advocating for greater accountability, better services, and long-term planning that puts patients, healthcare workers, and our community first.
Founded the Commissioner's Lower Keys Medical Center Task Force.
Helped lead the effort resulting in the Hospital District issuing an RFP for future hospital operations.
Advocated for improved local healthcare services and accountability.
Giving Residents a Stronger Voice
Sam believes local government works best when residents are informed, included, and heard.
Throughout his time in office, he's consistently advocated for greater public input, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making that puts residents first.
Created the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Hosted numerous town halls and neighborhood meetings.
Consistently supported meaningful public participation.
Advocated for transparency and open government.
Encouraged neighborhood input before major redevelopment decisions.
Protecting Taxpayers
Good leadership starts with being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.
Sam has consistently asked tough questions, challenged unnecessary spending, and believes we should make better use of the resources we already have before asking residents to pay more.
Voted against property tax increases each year as Commission member.
Called for an Independent Auditor.
Consistently questioned unnecessary spending and long-term debt.
Worked to ensure City-owned properties generate fair market value for taxpayers.
Meet Sam Kaufman
A Neighbor Who Calls Key West Home
For Sam Kaufman, Key West isn't just where he serves—it's home.
More than two decades ago, Sam built his law practice here, raised his family with his wife Julia, and became deeply involved in the community that has given so much to them. Like so many residents, he's proud to call this island home.
Sam is running for Mayor because he believes Key West is worth protecting. From our unique island character and local businesses to our clean water and strong neighborhoods, he believes the best decisions are made when residents come first.
His vision is simple: preserve what makes Key West special while building a stronger future for the people who live, work, and raise their families here.
Community Involvement
Sam’s community involvement extends beyond City Hall. He serves as:
A mentor for the Take Stock in Children Program, supporting student success and opportunity.
An Executive Board Member of the Key West Art & Historical Society, helping to preserve and celebrate local culture.
A Board Member of the Florida Keys SPCA, advocating for animal welfare and humane care.
The Chair of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, where he has served for over 20 years helping individuals and families in need of housing, food, and recovery services.
Watch: Why I'm Running for Mayor
Leadership You Can Trust
Leadership isn't about titles. It's about showing up, listening, asking tough questions, and putting residents first.
For more than a decade, Sam has worked alongside residents to protect our community, be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and preserve the unique character that makes Key West unlike anywhere else.
Because leadership isn't about making promises.
It's about earning trust through action.
Check out Sam’s accomplishments here!
A Decade of Showing Up
For ten years, Sam has consistently stood up for the issues residents care about—bringing forward ideas, asking tough questions, and advocating for thoughtful solutions that put Key West first.
His leadership isn't measured by headlines alone, but by a consistent commitment to serving the community with integrity.
The Latest from Sam’s Campaign: News, Updates & Community Events
Protect What Makes Key West Special
The choices we make today will shape the future of Key West for generations to come.
As Mayor, Sam will focus on protecting the things that make our island unlike anywhere else—our neighborhoods, our clean water, our local businesses, and the quality of life that residents cherish.
Because preserving Key West means putting residents first.
Sam's focus is simple:
Cleaner Water
Our environment is at the heart of our economy, our quality of life, and our identity. Sam will continue fighting for clean water, accountability, and long-term solutions that protect our island for future generations.
Putting Residents First
City Hall should listen before it acts. Sam believes residents deserve open communication, meaningful public input, and leadership that puts the community first.
Protecting Our Island Character
Key West's history, neighborhoods, and small-town charm are worth protecting. Growth should strengthen our community—not change what makes it special.
Smart Financial Leadership
Before asking residents to pay more, we should make better use of the resources we already have. Responsible budgeting and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars should always come first.
Accomplishments
A Decade of Results and Responsible Leadership
Legislative Leadership:
Created the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Sponsored the Sightseeing Ordinance (2015)
Sponsored the E-Bike Ordinance
Led efforts for anchorage and boating policy reforms
Supported/sponsored increased cruise passenger disembarkation fees
Sponsored Resolution 19-238 (2019) to evaluate/include solar energy in City capital projects
Sponsored priority for low & very low-income residents for Land Authority funds (Nov 1, 2016)
Sponsored 2021 Pump-Out policy requiring proof of pump-out for anchorage/mooring vessels
Sponsored increase to minimum pay for City employees
Sponsored the Pet Mill Prohibition Ordinance
Housing & Affordability:
Sponsored resolution dedicating new development units to be restricted to affordable housing
Worked over the past 5 years for the new units in development for permanent supportive housing at Poinciana Housing Community
Supported Garden View Apartments
Renewed and sponsored funding for the Homebuyer Assistance Program
Worked with Legal to enforce affordable-housing deed restrictions
Prioritized low and very low-income residents for housing funds
Advocated Sigsbee Park Housing rebuild (166 units), convening congressional members on site
Supported development and construction of the John Jones Center
Consistently votes against tax increases which are passed along to tenants by landlords resulting in higher rents.
Worked with the Florida Outreach Coalition as chair of the organization to increase housing opportunities for men, women and children for the past 25 years.
Fiscal Responsibility & Workforce:
Supported increased wages for city employees
Protected Garrison Bight revenues for reinvestment
Protected residents at Garrison Bight City Marina against unreasonable rent increases.
Fought for responsible budgeting and against unnecessary tax increases
COVID relief: sponsored City rental assistance ($67K via UWKW, Apr 2020) and $500K for rapid testing/food pantry/rental & utility assistance via UWKW, Sister Season, and FKOC (Jan 2021)
Sponsored COVID rental relief for City commercial tenants
Waterfront & City Projects:
Ensured Garrison Bight submerged-lands lease revenues remain in the Garrison Bight fund
Sponsored community meetings and lease provisions for the 2019 liveaboard lease
Worked with staff to develop the new Dockmaster Building at City Marina
Infrastructure & Transportation:
Advanced the Bike-Ped Comprehensive Transportation Plan
Sponsored the E-Bike Ordinance creating 15 MPH speed limit and sidewalk restrictions
Protected free parking for locals at Thomas Street
Consistently votes against higher parking fees for locals.
Supported Truman Waterfront Park development
Advocated for safer streets and improved access citywide
Advocate for smart transportation planning to have more consistent bus routes and to preserve/re-instate the Duval Loop
Advocated to keep Thomas Street Parking Lot free for locals (Nov 2015)
Healthcare & Community Wellbeing:
Founded the Commissioner’s Lower Keys Medical Center Task Force (2024)
Led efforts for accountability in hospital operator selection process
Sponsored resolutions to ensure accountability in hospital operations
Sponsored bringing PAL funding into the City budget
Sponsored LKMC resolution (Aug 16, 2016)
Advocated for Senior Citizen Plaza vaccinations
Convened the COVID Health-Business Advisory Committee
Environment & Water Protection:
Sponsored solar energy requirements for city projects (Resolution 19-238)
Led to create the vessel pump-out policies as a requirement for vessels in the anchorage
Sponsor and supporter of Plastic Free Key West initiative in partnership with Reef Relief
Sponsor of Water Quality Program in city Code. Advocated for expanded water quality testing and environmental safeguards
Supported cruise passenger fee increases to protect natural resources
Quality of Life & Community Investment:
Supported Frederick Douglass Educators Museum (Band Room)
Sponsored renovations to Cozumel Park, including the new splash pad
Sponsored funding for the Boys & Girls Club’s new facility at Bayview Park
Strong support for the Rainbow Flag at City Hall, the Rainbow Crosswalks and inclusive initiatives
Sponsored funding for APS “Idle Hands” 2021 program
Supported the SOS lease at the City Hall complex
Community Involvement:
A mentor for the Take Stock in Children Program, supporting student success and opportunity.
An Executive Board Member of the Key West Art & Historical Society, helping to preserve and celebrate local culture.
A Board Member of the Florida Keys SPCA, advocating for animal welfare and humane care.
The Chair of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, where he has served for over 20 years, helping individuals and families in need of housing, food, and recovery services.
Looking Ahead:
As Mayor, Sam Kaufman will focus on:
Keeping Key West affordable for working families
Restoring honest, transparent government
Protecting water, environment, and infrastructure
Delivering real solutions—not more studies
A NEW MAYOR FOR REAL CHANGE.
Key West is strongest when every resident feels heard, respected, and represented.
Throughout this campaign, Sam has been humbled by the support of neighbors, local organizations, small business owners, and community leaders who share a common belief: our city is at its best when residents come first.
This campaign is bringing together people from across Key West—not because they agree on every issue, but because they believe in honest leadership, open communication, and a Mayor who listens.
“Good government starts with listening. As Mayor, I will continue to lead by example, seeking common ground, bringing people together, and keeping the public’s trust at the center of every decision.”
Family & Roots
Family, Faith, and Community
Behind every public service role, Sam is a husband, father, and proud Key Wester. His wife Julia and their children have been his inspiration and greatest supporters throughout his public service. The Kaufman family embodies the spirit of community — engaged, compassionate, and committed to making Key West a place where families can thrive for generations.
Get Involved
Help shape the future of Key West by joining Sam’s campaign.
Ways to Participate:
Volunteer at events
Host a neighborhood gathering
Display a yard sign
Donate to support outreach efforts
Contact Info:
Email: campaignmanager@kaufmanforkeywest.com
Follow: @SamKaufmanForMayor on Facebook and Instagram.
