Jay Collins

Jarrid "Jay" Collins (born April 28, 1976) is the 21st Lieutenant Governor of Florida, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on August 12, 2025. Born in Scobey, Montana, Collins experienced homelessness in high school before joining the U.S. Army. He served over 23 years in Army Special Forces as a Green Beret, including deployments in Iraq, South America, and Afghanistan. He sustained injuries that led to the loss of his leg, but continued to serve five more years post-amputation. After retiring from the military in 2018 he moved to Florida and became Chief Operating Officer of Operation BBQ Relief, overseeing disaster relief operations nationwide. He was elected to the Florida State Senate representing District 14 (Tampa/Hillsborough County) in 2022, serving as a key DeSantis ally until his appointment as Lt. Governor. He authored over 55 pieces of legislation and secured more than $120 million in funding for Tampa Bay. He announced his candidacy for Governor on January 12, 2026, citing executive experience as the only candidate currently serving in statewide office.

The Lieutenant Governor of Florida serves as second-in-command to the Governor and assumes the duties of Governor if the Governor is unable to serve. The role is largely ceremonial but carries real succession authority. Collins was appointed to the position in August 2025 by Governor DeSantis, replacing Jeanette Nuñez. As Governor, the office holder would serve as chief executive of Florida state government with powers including signing or vetoing legislation, appointing cabinet members and judges, commanding the Florida National Guard, and managing the state budget.