[1][2] Smith received his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Public Administration from Florida State University in 1962, and while in college he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Also he served in the reserves of the United States Army and earned the rank of second lieutenant.

The Democratic primary was initially a three-man race, with Smith facing Senate President Harry Johnston and Florida Representative Steve Pajcic.

He again was appointed to the office of Secretary of State of Florida after Katherine Harris won the Republican nomination for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in August 2002; Smith held the position until January 2003.

When not holding government office, Smith has spent his time in private legal practice in Tallahassee, Florida.