Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Jay Collins as Lieutenant Governor

Jay Collins is sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Florida during a press conference in Tampa. Credit: Florida Governor Office

TAMPA,  Florida — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Republican State Senator Jay Collins as the state’s new lieutenant governor, filling a vacancy that has been open since February when former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez resigned to become president of Florida International University.

The announcement and swearing in was held during a press conference in Tampa.

Collins, 47, a Tampa Republican representing parts of Hillsborough County in Senate District 14 since his election in 2022, is a former Green Beret and decorated Army veteran who served over two decades in the U.S. Army Special Forces.

He earned a Purple Heart after sustaining injuries in combat that led to the amputation of his leg, yet continued serving for five more years. His deployments included Afghanistan, Iraq, and two tours in South America.

Born in Montana, Collins has discussed overcoming personal challenges, including experiencing homelessness during high school after his father’s death, and being adopted by his grandparents.

He enlisted in the Army and later moved to Florida in 2019 with his wife, Layla, a retired veteran, and their two sons, Gabe and Colt.

Politically, Collins won his Senate seat in 2022 by defeating Democratic incumbent Janet Cruz, with strong support from DeSantis. He has advocated for gun rights, including efforts to reverse some post-Parkland shooting measures and lower the minimum age for purchasing firearms to 18. Collins opposed a legislative immigration bill vetoed by DeSantis, voting against it alongside 15 other senators. He has been a supporter of DeSantis’ agenda, including the Hope Florida program. DeSantis has endorsed Collins’ wife for a Hillsborough County school board seat and appointed her to the Florida State Board of Education.

The lieutenant governor role is largely ceremonial, with no specific constitutional duties beyond succeeding the governor if necessary, and pays $135,516 annually.

Collins’ appointment creates a vacancy in his Senate seat, requiring a special election. As DeSantis is term-limited and cannot run in 2026, the move could position Collins as a potential gubernatorial candidate, potentially against U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has endorsements from former President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, and others.