Alcee Hastings was born on September 5, 1936 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. In 1958, Hastings received his Bachelor's Degree in Zoology and Botany from Fisk University. In 1960, he attended Howard University where he studied law. In 1963, Hastings earned his Juris Doctorate from Florida A&M University. He was a United States District Court Judge from 1979-1989. Alcee Hastings was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992.