A native of Rowan County, North Carolina, Carl L. Daniels managed the Floridan Hotel in Tallahassee and several other hotels throughout the southeast. Daniels was appointed to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners in 1966 by Governor Haydon Burns to serve out the term following the death of Commissioner H.G. Easterwood. He was sworn in on July 11, 1966, and served six months.
He was active in several boards and clubs, including serving as vice president for the northern district of the U.S. Highway 27 Association, a board member of the Florida A&M Hospital, an honorary member of the Rotary Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Quarterback Club, and Seminole Boosters, and director of the United Fund.
He died at Tallahassee Regional Medical Center Extended Care on June 11, 1987.