The son of Greek immigrants,[1] Bilirakis was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida but spent his childhood in Clairton, Pennsylvania.

Bilirakis served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War era and rose to the rank of staff sergeant.

National Journal's Almanac of American Politics called him one of the most "legislatively productive" members of Congress.

His son, Gus, a Florida state representative, defeated Democrat Phyllis Busansky in the 2006 congressional race for the elder Bilirakis's House seat.

In August 2009, Bilirakis was shortlisted by Governor Crist as a potential replacement for Mel Martínez after his resignation from the U.S. Senate.