Richard L. Dugger was secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections from 1987 to 1991,[1] when Harry K. Singletary, Jr. took over.

[3] During his tenure, the department started a large campaign to combat prison overcrowding.

[1] In 1999, Dugger was appointed deputy director of institutions for the Florida Department of Corrections, replacing Stan Czerniak.

A year later, he was appointed director of institutions for the Florida Department of Corrections.

In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, 20th Special Forces, to begin a military career lasting 20 years.