Jacksonville mourns former Florida Rep. Terry L. Fields, a longtime public servant and neighborhood advocate

A Jacksonville political figure who moved between local government and Tallahassee

Jacksonville is mourning the death of Terry L. Fields, a former Florida House member and longtime civic participant whose public career spanned city boards, City Council, and the state Legislature. Fields died on Feb. 8, 2026. He was 66.

Fields’ public résumé reflected a steady progression through Jacksonville’s civic institutions. Before arriving in the Florida House, he served on the Jacksonville Civil Service Board beginning in the 1980s, a role tied to city personnel oversight. He later won election to the Jacksonville City Council and became part of local debates on neighborhood conditions and basic municipal services.

Eight years representing parts of urban Duval County in the Florida House

In Tallahassee, Fields served in the Florida House of Representatives from late 2000 through 2008, representing District 14, which included portions of downtown Jacksonville and surrounding areas of Duval County. He succeeded Tony Hill and, after leaving office due to term limits, was succeeded by Mia L. Jones.

Fields first won the seat in 2000 and returned without opposition in subsequent election cycles before facing a primary challenge in 2006 and winning re-election. During his first campaign, public issues highlighted included public education and the cost of prescription drugs—topics that were prominent in Florida legislative politics during that period and were frequently raised in local district contests.

Labor background and civic experience shaped his public profile

Outside elected office, Fields’ work included ties to the waterfront labor community. He worked as an executive assistant with the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1408 and was also identified professionally as a longshoreman and consultant. His educational background included a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and additional graduate study at Florida State University.

Later campaigns and continued engagement in Jacksonville public life

After leaving the Legislature, Fields remained active in local politics and civic affairs, including seeking a return to elective office. He ran for a Florida Senate seat in a 2011 special-election cycle and later entered contests tied to Jacksonville-area representation, reflecting an ongoing interest in public service even after his initial statehouse tenure ended.

In 2018, he was among applicants seeking appointment to fill a Jacksonville City Council vacancy, underscoring his continued involvement in city governance and local decision-making.

• Born in Jacksonville on April 18, 1959
• Served on the Jacksonville Civil Service Board (1983–1991)
• Served on the Jacksonville City Council in the 1990s
• Served in the Florida House representing District 14 (2000–2008)

Fields’ career traced a common path in Jacksonville politics: moving from local boards to City Hall and then to the state Capitol, with a sustained emphasis on district-level concerns and civic participation.

Details about funeral services and family arrangements were not reliably available in public records reviewed at publication time.