Volusia County Politics
Shortly after graduating from Stetson, Bert Fish partnered with Stetson law professor Cary Landis, forming the Landis & Fish law firm. Together, they forged a powerful legal firm that would influence county politics and act as a springboard for civil service careers in decades to come.
In 1908, Fish was elected as a prosecuting attorney for Volusia County. Two years later, he was appointed county judge, and was re-elected for the same office in 1912. By 1916, Fish and Landis had grown so influential in local politics that their names were closely associated with the Volusia County "Ring," a political machine based in DeLand.
Meanwhile, Fish gleaned a great deal of knowledge about real estate values and foreclosures from his legal practice. He applied that knowledge to investments in commercial buildings, hotels, citrus groves, and speculative real estate developments. Through shrewd investments, Fish gradually amassed a small fortune.
Fish had a mixed reputation in the county, however. Some citizens viewed his wealth, ambition, and political power with suspicion. Many considered him corrupt. At the same time, he was known for his generosity to the indigent, frequently making loans at lower interest rates than banks offered. He was also remembered as an excellent orator in the courtroom, as well as a charming socialite who never forgot a name.
Though Fish continued to amass wealth through his landholdings, his political influence in Volusia County began to wane by the 1920s. He had not sought another term as judge in 1916, opting instead to run for state senate. His campaign against James E. Alexander was arduous. His opponent, with the support of many locals, leveled accusations of corruption against Fish. Deeming these attacks "unfair, unjust, and malicious," Fish claimed he could answer for each allegation. Nevertheless, he lost the election, and for some time thereafter, took a more peripheral role in county politics.
He continued practicing law throughout the early twenties, but focused more attention on his real estate holdings. In 1927, he sold his stake in the law firm, retired from legal practice, and began traveling abroad. Passenger lists from the time suggest he escaped to Europe during Florida's oppressive summers, returning on luxury ocean liners each fall in September or October. During his time abroad, he developed an interest in foreign affairs.
In the early 1930s, Fish once again became involved in politics, this time at the state and national levels. A staunch Democrat since his high school days, Fish firmly supported Franklin D. Roosevelt's bid for the presidency in 1932. He sent the Florida Democratic National Convention a check for $5,000 and was later appointed as the organization's financial director.
After Roosevelt's victory, Fish applied to the United States Foreign Service. Roosevelt made several patronage appointments for his proponents in Florida, including Bert Fish, whom he appointed the United State Minister to Egypt.