Appler has a long history with the party. He first identified as a Libertarian in 1978, just a few years after the party’s founding, while attending Tulane University.
“I was majoring in political science and philosophy,” Appler said. “That’s the point at which I really became interested in the Libertarian Party and started going to Libertarian Party events.”
He worked on the Libertarian presidential campaign in 1980.
Appler said his interest in Libertarianism began in his youth. Both of his parents were Republicans, and he wanted an alternative political philosophy focused on reducing the size of government.
“Fiscally conservative but socially liberal, I guess I would say,” Appler said. “I never felt like I fit in with either Republicans or Democrats.”
After graduating from college, Appler joined the Air Force and put politics on hold.
During his Air Force career, Appler flew C-130s and AC-130s and served in various positions within Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters and U.S. Air Forces in Europe headquarters.
He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2007 and has since lived in Navarre.
Appler became involved in politics again in 2018, when the Libertarian Party of Florida hosted its state convention in Fort Walton Beach. Shortly afterward, he helped create a party affiliate in Santa Rosa County.
Since 2019, Appler has served on the LPF Executive Committee as party secretary, vice chair and director-at-large. As chair, he said his responsibilities include helping the party grow, improving its financial situation, and promoting organization and communication within the party.
According to Appler, some of the top issues the state party is focused on in 2026 include property tax reform and opposition to Flock Safety cameras.
“The party would say our primary goal is electing candidates, but I think, personally, a more important role is influencing public dialogue and policy positions of people who are in office,” Appler said. “We can get a lot done by just showing up to meetings.”
The local party has also followed the Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District’s proposed change in how rental properties are assessed.
The proposed assessment change, which has been tabled, would require certain residential rental properties to pay a nonresidential fee rather than a residential fee. Libertarian Party members have attended recent NBFRD board meetings questioning the proposal.
At a recent meeting, former Fire Chief Danny Fureigh criticized the Libertarians for getting involved. Appler said the party also participated in opposition to red-light cameras within Milton city limits.
Although Appler has been active in party politics, he has not held elected public office. In 2024, however, he ran for a seat on the Holley-Navarre Water System board of directors. Although he did not win, he has regularly attended HNWS meetings for nearly a year.
What is a Libertarian?
According to Libertarianism.org, a libertarian is someone committed to the principle that liberty is the most important political value. Libertarians generally support free markets, low taxation, property rights, medical freedom, drug legalization, deregulation and protection of civil liberties.
Gary Johnson, the Libertarian presidential nominee in 2012 and 2016, described his political philosophy as “fiscally conservative, socially accepting/tolerant.”
There are a variety of viewpoints within the Libertarian Party and Libertarianism more broadly. Appler said Libertarians in Northwest Florida tend to be more conservative than those in South Florida.
For more information, visit the Libertarian Party of Florida website.