Al Nienhuis

Sheriff Al Nienhuis began his full time law enforcement career in 1989 as a special agent with the State of Florida, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. He attained the rank of captain in the Fort Myers District Office before leaving in January 2001 to serve as undersheriff for the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Nienhuis holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in business management from the University of South Florida. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 197) in Quantico, VA. Sheriff Nienhuis was appointed as Sheriff of Hernando County by the Governor in January 2011. He was then elected by the citizens of Hernando County in 2012, ran unopposed in 2016 and was reelected in 2020. He currently serves on the Florida Sheriff’s Ranches Enterprises Board of Directors and serves as Vice President of the Florida Sheriffs Association. Sheriff Nienhuis is the Chief Law Enforcement and Correctional Officer of Hernando County. As a constitutional officer, the Sheriff has the exclusive authority to administer his agency. He is responsible for preserving the peace throughout the county, carrying out the laws of the state, the order of Florida courts, and the ordinances of the Board of County Commissioners.