After working in private practice for several years as an associate attorney, he became a partner at Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano, a law firm in Bradenton.

He faced Brian Murphy, an optometrist; Benjamin Milks, a Cedar Hammock Fire Control District Commissioner; and David Miner, an attorney, in the Republican primary.

Galvano campaigned on his support for providing a clean-up fund to deal with the fallout from phosphate mining operations attracting more federal dollars to the state, reforming the state's charter school program by requiring a "parental contribution" for families who use vouchers,[1] strengthening corporate fraud laws, enacting a clear air policy statewide, and providing "community-based care" for children in foster care.

[2] Although the Sarasota Herald-Tribune praised Galvano's candidacy as "appealing on several key issues", including his "keener interest in environmental protection" and growth management, they ultimately endorsed Murphy, citing his "greater breadth of leadership experience.

Along with Governor Rick Scott and Representative Jose Oliva, in 2018 Galvano pushed for the passage of Florida's most restrictive gun control in 20 years.

[14] Since receiving this large monetary contribution from the Bloomberg affiliated groups, Senator Galvano pushed for tougher gun control measures.