TALLAHASSEE -- Sen. Ken Pruitt, a top state Republican who founded Florida's Bright Futures college scholarship program, will leave office early to spend more time with his family in Port St. Lucie.

Pruitt's last day in the Legislature will be Aug. 4. His term would have ended in 2010. Charlie Crist will have to call a special election.

Pruitt, 52, is from Port St. Lucie. He has served 18 years in the Legislature and was Senate president from 2006 to 2008. Known as one of the most effective legislators, Pruitt steered huge sums to colleges, research institutes, his district and the Everglades.

Pruitt's successor, Senate President Jeff Atwater, said Pruitt's service was ''unique'' and helped millions of Floridians seeking college degrees.

''He's a man who never had the privilege nor opportunity to pursue a college degree, and when he rose to the heights of power, he exercised that power by opening the doors of education to every child of this state,'' Atwater said.

This year, the state's dire financial condition led Pruitt to help scale back Bright Futures. He sponsored legislation to increase university tuition rates by up to 15 percent, though funding for each Bright Futures scholarship will remain steady.

Pruitt declined to comment on Friday. Friends say he grew weary of office after his 29-year-old son's abrupt death in 2007. His wife has also battled cancer.

Senate Republicans are expected to rally around former state Rep. Joe Negron of Stuart as a successor. Negron had already filed to run.

Herald/Times staff writers Shannon Colovecchio and Steve Bousquet contributed to this report. Marc Caputo can be reached at mcaputo@miamiherald.com

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