Brendan Farrington, AP Reporter Who Chronicled Florida Politics, Dies at 60

Brendan Farrington, a veteran Associated Press reporter known for his extensive coverage of Florida politics, died Friday at his Tallahassee home. He was 60.

Farrington died following a brief illness, according to Steve Schale, a close friend of the family.

Based in the state capital, Farrington was recognized for his fair reporting, his deep sourcing, and his amiable nature. Colleagues described him as a mentor and friend, trusted by politicians across the political spectrum. He also had a passion for sports, having visited every major league ballpark.

“I was amazed by the many calls he would get from everyone from big-name politicians and their aides to back-office workers telling him what was going on behind the scenes,” said Terry Spencer, former Florida news editor for the AP.

Among those paying tribute was former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who called Farrington “an old school journalist” and “a real pro.”

Farrington began his journalism career in 1988 at The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Massachusetts. He joined the AP in Miami in the late 1990s before transferring to Tallahassee in 2001.

During his tenure, Farrington covered a wide range of Florida stories, from hurricanes and natural disasters to the state's often quirky political events. His reporting was noted for its ability to connect broader events to the lives of those affected.

In one notable instance in 2021, the press secretary for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly criticized Farrington on social media after he reported on investments made by one of DeSantis’ donors in a company producing a COVID-19 treatment. The press secretary’s remarks led to online abuse directed at Farrington, who responded by stating, “For your sake, I hope government doesn’t threaten your safety. I’ll be fine, I hope. Freedom. Just please don’t kill me.”

Farrington had a knack for uncovering unique stories, including an annual “weird Florida” roundup that highlighted unusual events. One past anecdote described a man who cut off, cooked, and ate a finger he injured during a fight.

He also reported on political maneuvering, such as a 2011 story concerning the then-new president of the Florida Senate, who received $152,000 in taxpayer funds for writing a book that was largely inaccessible to the public.

Farrington left the AP in January 2025, having accepted a voluntary buyout.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Farrington; a son, Cullen Farrington; his mother, Ethel Farrington; three brothers; and a sister.