Brendan Farrington, a longtime Associated Press reporter known for his coverage of Florida politics, has died following a brief and sudden illness, his family announced. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his death. His exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Farrington’s wife, Amy Farrington, announced his death in a statement shared online by fellow journalist Gary Fineout. She said her husband died surrounded by loved ones, including their son Cullen and his brothers, Bill and Tom. The family expressed gratitude for being able to spend his final days together, remembering the moments through stories and laughter.
Farrington spent much of his journalism career covering Florida government, elections and political developments. Based in Tallahassee, he became a familiar presence among journalists covering the Florida Capitol and state politics.
During his time with the Associated Press, Farrington reported extensively on major political developments, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration and elections across the state. His work was distributed widely through the AP network and was also published or republished by major news organisations in the United States and beyond.
He was also known for reporting on contentious political issues. In 2021, Farrington covered a controversy involving a major donor to Governor DeSantis who had invested in a company associated with the COVID-19 treatment Regeneron.
Following the report, a spokesperson for the governor criticised Farrington and encouraged online criticism of the journalist. The Associated Press subsequently defended Farrington and expressed concern about threats directed towards him.
Farrington’s colleagues remembered him not only for his political reporting but also for his approach to people and his willingness to build relationships across the Florida political and media communities.
Journalist Edie Ousley paid tribute to Farrington, remembering his talent, friendship and ability to understand and explain politics. Weather journalist KM Miller also recalled him as a supportive colleague during legislative sessions.
US Representative Byron Donalds described Farrington as “a good man and a good reporter” while offering condolences to his family.
His wife also remembered him for his belief in the decency of people and his love of meeting others and developing friendships.
Farrington’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from journalists and political figures who worked with him or followed his reporting over the years.
While the family has confirmed that he died after a sudden illness, no further details about the nature of the illness or the medical circumstances surrounding his death have been released publicly.
Farrington leaves behind a long body of work covering Florida’s political landscape and a professional legacy remembered by colleagues across the state and the wider journalism community.
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