A trained physician, he started his political career in the mid-1990s as a member of Forza Italia.

Later he became administrative leader of two privately owned hospitals in Cagliari and Oristano, in which he also performed medical work.

During this time he was also engaged in public functions, becoming leader of the Italian Association of Private Hospitals 'AIOP' as well as president of the cultural society "La Radice" and of a local soccer club.

After confirming his electoral success in the 1999 elections, Floris retained his position as group leader in the council.

Two years later, he was elected mayor of his home town Cagliari with the respectable result of 56.9% of all votes, giving him a simple majority already in the first round.