PORTLAND — The head of the Maine Heritage Policy Center is stepping down to launch a new think tank in Florida.

Tarren Bragdon announced Tuesday that he will be leaving the Portland-based conservative think tank next month after serving 3½ years as chief executive officer.

He says his new organization, in Naples, Fla., will focus on government accountability and transparency as well as health care reform.

The Maine Heritage Policy Center is opening a search to find a new CEO.