Barry Grooms (C2EX) is a Florida native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island; he currently lives in Bradenton where he owns and operates Florida Suncoast Real Estate with his wife, Sherry. Barry has been a REALTOR® since 1999.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a J.D. from Stetson College of Law.
At the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota & Manatee, Barry has served as a past president, was named REALTOR® of the Year, and has received the Distinguished Service Award.
At the state level, he has served on countless Florida REALTOR® committees, forums, task forces, and subcommittees, including the Business Trends & Technology Forum, and the Finance and Public Policy committees, the latter which he chaired. He has been a key contact with state legislators since 2006, and has served in every officer position with Florida REALTORS®—from District 13 Vice President to 2020 President. He was recognized by the state association as the 2021 REALTOR® of the Year.
His leadership and advocacy are noteworthy. He helped encourage Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare real estate “an essential service” during the pandemic. That declaration enabled real estate practitioners across the state to follow COVID-19 guidelines by turning to virtual and digital technology and to continue to conduct business safely in service of their clients.
Barry is extremely involved at the National Association of REALTORS®, serving on the Board of Directors and numerous committees. He served as the 2023 Law & Policy Liaison. A strong supporter of RPAC, Barry is a member of the RPAC Hall of Fame.
He is dedicated to his local community and volunteers for a variety of local charities and business organizations.