Ever tried to name the second-in-command in Tallahassee? Most people can’t. But right now, the answer to who is lieutenant governor of florida is a name you’re going to be hearing a lot more: Jay Collins.
Florida politics moves fast. Just when you think you’ve got the roster down, someone jumps ship for a university presidency and a combat-decorated Green Beret steps into the light. That’s exactly what happened in late 2025. Collins didn't just stumble into the job; he was hand-picked by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill a massive void left by Jeanette Nuñez.
It’s a weird role, honestly. In Florida, the Lieutenant Governor has very few "official" powers written into the constitution, yet they are a heartbeat away from the most powerful governorship in the country.
The Man in the Office: Who is Lieutenant Governor of Florida?
Jarrid "Jay" Collins isn't your typical career politician. Before he was the 21st Lieutenant Governor of Florida, he spent over two decades in the U.S. Army Special Forces. We’re talking about a guy with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He’s seen the worst of the world, which makes the floor of the Florida Senate—where he served before this appointment—probably feel like a walk in the park.
DeSantis tapped him for the job on August 12, 2025.
Why the sudden change? Well, the previous LG, Jeanette Nuñez, decided to head back to her roots. She resigned in early 2025 to become the president of Florida International University (FIU). For a few months, the seat was actually empty. There was even some talk in the legislature about abolishing the office entirely. Representative Randy Fine famously quipped that the job was basically "to not die."
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Clearly, the Governor didn't agree. He wanted a fighter.
From the Green Berets to the Capitol
Collins represents a specific brand of Florida Republicanism. He’s intense. He’s focused on "results over soundbites," a phrase he’s been using a lot lately. His background is a mix of grit and tragedy; he’s spoken openly about being homeless during high school in Montana before finding his path in the military.
In the Florida Senate, he was known for being a reliable ally to the DeSantis agenda. He pushed through major legislation on public safety and "culture war" issues that have defined the state’s recent political climate. When Nuñez left, Collins was the logical choice to maintain that momentum.
What Does the Lieutenant Governor Actually Do?
If you look at the Florida Constitution, the job description is surprisingly thin.
- Succeed the Governor if they are incapacitated or resign.
- Perform duties assigned by the Governor.
- Basically, stay ready.
That’s it. There’s no tie-breaking vote in the Senate like the U.S. Vice President has. However, the assigned duties are where the real power lies. Under the current administration, the role has become much more than ceremonial.
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Collins has taken over several portfolios that Nuñez previously managed. He’s active in the Department of Health and serves as a key liaison for veteran affairs—which makes sense given his 23-year military career. He’s also heavily involved with Space Florida, helping manage the state's booming aerospace industry.
The 2026 Factor
Here is where things get spicy. As of January 2026, Jay Collins isn't just sitting around Tallahassee. He officially launched his bid to become the next Governor of Florida.
Since Ron DeSantis is term-limited, the field is wide open. By being the incumbent Lieutenant Governor, Collins has a massive "bully pulpit." He’s traveling the state, appearing at "Operation Senior Shield" events, and positioning himself as the natural successor to the DeSantis legacy.
But it’s not a cleared path. He’s facing a primary battle against big names like Congressman Byron Donalds, who has the backing of Donald Trump. It’s a fascinating dynamic: the Governor’s right-hand man versus the Trump-endorsed candidate.
Why the Lieutenant Governor Office Almost Disappeared
It sounds like a political thriller, but there was a legitimate move to kill the office of Lieutenant Governor in 2025.
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Some lawmakers argued that since the job has no constitutional "teeth," it’s a waste of taxpayer money. They proposed replacing it with a "Commissioner of Government Efficiency." The bill didn't make it, obviously. Critics of the proposal called it a "political gimmick," and by August, Collins was sworn in, effectively ending the debate for now.
Florida has actually abolished the office before. It was gone from 1885 until 1968. We’ve had long stretches of history where the Senate President was next in line for the governorship. But in the modern era, having a hand-picked partner for the Governor is seen as essential for "executive continuity."
Actionable Insights for Floridians
If you’re trying to keep up with Florida’s executive branch, don't just watch the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor’s office is often the "testing ground" for future leaders.
- Watch the Appointments: Keep an eye on which boards Collins is assigned to. If he’s leading Cybersecurity or Space Florida, those are the industries the state is prioritizing for the next decade.
- Follow the Succession: Understand that if the Governor travels or pursues higher office, Collins is the one signing the bills.
- Monitor the Primary: The 2026 gubernatorial race is happening now. How Collins balances his official duties with his campaign will tell you a lot about his leadership style.
- Check the Vitals: The LG often handles the Florida Department of Health. If you have concerns about healthcare policy or emergency response, the Lieutenant Governor’s office is a legitimate place to direct your advocacy.
The question of who is lieutenant governor of florida used to be a trivia answer. Today, with Jay Collins in the seat and an election on the horizon, it’s a central part of the state’s future.
To stay informed on Florida's executive branch, you can monitor the official Florida Governor's website or follow the Florida Department of State’s election division for updates on the 2026 cycle. Reviewing the Florida Constitution, specifically Article IV, Section 2, provides the legal framework for how this office operates during transitions of power.