Jay Collins for Governor

Lt. Governor Pledges to Protect Santa Rosa Farmland

April 14, 2026

Collins meets with Farm Bureau, vows to address food security concerns.

‘Agriculture Security Is National Security’ — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Meets With Local Farmers

April 14, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins met with farmers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Monday in Jay. “Having grown up on a family farm, touring Diamond Farm in Santa Rosa County today and spending time with those on the front lines of Florida agriculture was personal for me,” Collins said. “We had critical conversations about the current state of the ag industry, the challenges producers are facing, and the opportunities ahead.”

Collins meets Santa Rosa Farm Bureau, pledges to protect farmland and food security

April 13, 2026

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins paid a visit to farmers in north Santa Rosa County on Monday amid the ongoing severe drought.

This Week In South Florida: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins

April 12, 2026

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Local 10 News This Week In South Florida Anchor Glenna Milberg interviews Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who is campaigning for governor. The primary elections are on Aug. 18, and the Florida gubernatorial election is on Nov. 3.

Lt. Gov. Collins raises nearly $1.75M in first quarter of Florida governor campaign

April 11, 2026

Large donation from prominent DeSantis backer signals effort to unite GOP base behind Collins' bid.

Lt. Gov Jay Collins Appears on par With DeSantis' 2018 Gubernatorial Fundraising in Q1

April 11, 2026

Lt. Governor Jay Collins has raised roughly $2.2 million in his first official fundraising reporting cycle of the 2026 midterm elections, which appears to have him in line with what then-gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Ron DeSantis, raised when he first ran for governor in 2018.

Gov. DeSantis holding press conference at USF with Lt. Gov. Collins

April 6, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a press conference in Tampa on Monday morning. Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins will also be in attendance, per the release.

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins tours Bay County Sheriff’s Office

April 6, 2026

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is meeting with local law enforcement. Lieutenant Governor Collins arrived at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office at around 4 p.m. Tuesday. His visit began with a tour of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, followed by a meeting with Sheriff Tommy Ford. They say the topics of discussion included operations of the sheriff’s office and the tools law enforcement are using for things like water rescues. The lieutenant governor applauded the Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Governor Jay Collins visit BCSO

April 6, 2026

Topics of discussion included water rescues and operations of the Sheriff's office.

Governor DeSantis, Lt. Governor Collins to speak in Tampa

April 6, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) — Governor Ron DeSantis is scheduled to hold a news conference in Tampa on Monday morning.

‘We don’t leave people behind’: Search and rescue still underway for missing pilot

April 3, 2026

US Army Special Forces Veteran Jay Collins doesn’t believe in leaving anybody behind and believes the US military will do everything they can to bring home the missing pilot. “We have their back,” Mr Collins said. “If something happens, we're going to go get them and bring them home because we don’t leave people behind.”

Jay Collins vows to remove prosecutors and judges, citing problematic ‘political beliefs’

April 1, 2026

'If they can't do their job to protect our people, then they need to be removed from office.'

Lt. Gov. Collins wants stricter border security, birthright citizenship changes after MacDill AFB bomb scare

April 1, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. - Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins spoke on Wednesday morning near the MacDill Air Force Base to give an update on the threats against the base’s security. Collins expressed his concerns about an improvised explosive device (IED) that was recently found at MacDill Air Force Base.

Lt. Gov. Collins promises to restrict visa holders from ‘nations of terror’ as Florida governor

April 1, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a GOP candidate for governor, pledged Wednesday to crack down on visa holders from “countries of concern” and remove prosecutors and judges from office who are soft on crime as part of his new proposals to “defend the homeland.”

Jay Collins leans hard into national security issues in Tampa campaign stop

April 1, 2026

The GOP gubernatorial candidate cites recent history in discounting polls showing him behind frontrunner Byron Donalds.

Jay Collins confident GOP will take back his old Senate seat in November

April 1, 2026

The former Senator is 'happy to help' win the seat in the General Election.

Jay Collins lays out national security agenda after MacDill bomb threat

April 1, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins addressed the bomb threat at MacDill Air Force Base and touted his record on preventing foreign espionage at a news conference in South Tampa on Wednesday. Collins, a former Green Beret in the U.S. Army, has repeatedly emphasized his 2023 bill that banned the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing or acquiring property in the state.

Rep. Susan Plasencia Rescinds Donalds Endorsement, Joins Jay Collins Campaign

March 31, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced Rep. Susan Plasencia (R-Orlando) will be joining his gubernatorial team to run statewide political and field operations, according to a release by his campaign this week. "It is an honor to support Lt. Governor Jay Collins as he runs for Governor," Plasencia said. "His service to our state and nation is unmatched. From his time as an Army Green Beret to his great work as a Senator where we worked together to fight for Floridians, Jay Collins has earned my full support."

Jay Collins promoted his vision for Florida to Sebring voters

March 29, 2026

In an atmosphere marked by patriotism and civic engagement, Florida’s gubernatorial candidate and Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins appeared at The Ministry Center in Sebring as the keynote speaker for the Heartland Voters Event, organized by the Highlands County Republican Executive Committee on Friday night.

Collins Says U.S. Fighting China in 'Proxy War' With Communist Cuban Regime

March 27, 2026

Viva Cuba!

"Wildlife and waterways deserve respect, not content farming": Lt. Governor Jay Collins breaks silence on Clavicular Alligator shooting incident

March 27, 2026

Jay Collins addresses the viral alligator shooting controversy, emphasizing accountability, wildlife protection laws, and growing scrutiny over social media-driven incidents in Florida's natural reserves.

Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

March 25, 2026

"I am proud to endorse Lt. Governor Jay Collins as he campaigns to serve as Florida's next governor."

Wayne Padgett joins Sheriffs backing Jay Collins for Governor

March 25, 2026

3 leading lawmen like the LG in the GOP Governor's race.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visits Stuart ammunition manufacturer during campaign stop

March 21, 2026

Florida lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins made a campaign stop on the Treasure Coast today, visiting Ikonick USA, an ammunition manufacturer in Stuart, to discuss economic growth and workforce development.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins to visit Ikonick USA shooting range in Stuart

March 20, 2026

Florida Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins is set to step inside the shooting range at Ikonick USA on Friday as part of a behind-the-scenes visit to the Martin County firearms and training facility.

Lt. governor says eliminating property taxes is '100% doable'

March 20, 2026

Collins wants Floridians to own their home "free and clear of the government."

Osceola County Sheriff Blackmon Backs Jay Collins In Florida Governor’s Race

March 16, 2026

The race for Florida’s Governor saw a significant development today as Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon officially endorsed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. The endorsement brings together a decorated Green Beret and a law enforcement veteran with over three and a half decades of experience in the state.

Osceola Sheriff endorses Jay Collins in Florida gubernatorial race

March 16, 2026

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon on Monday endorsed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor, citing a shared commitment to “law and order” and public safety.

Christopher Blackmon endorses Jay Collins for Governor

March 16, 2026

The GOP candidate is 'humbled' by the development.

Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

March 16, 2026

"Jay understands the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and accountability."

BONUS: Former Green Beret SLAMS Newsom Over The Hegseth "Surf & Turf" Military Saga

March 13, 2026

Former Army Green Beret and Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins us to react to the leftist outrage over the Pete Hegseth “Surf and Turf” saga, how Americans should prepare for potential sleeper cells in our country, and property taxes. Stephen Yates from Heritage joins us to break down China's response to the Iran strikes, the shift in global politics, when will the strikes end and much more.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visits Fort Myers and discusses Florida governor race priorities

March 13, 2026

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who is running for governor of Florida, visited Fort Myers today and spoke exclusively with Gulf Coast News Chief Political Reporter Dave Elias about his campaign priorities, focusing on insurance costs and property taxes.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins on why he'd be 'day one ready' as Florida's governor and more

March 13, 2026

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Lt. Gov. Jay Collins explains why he's running to be the next governor, his passion for helping veterans transition into the workforce and more.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins positions himself as successor to Ron DeSantis in Boca Raton

March 13, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins addressed a packed room at the Republican Club dinner in Boca Raton, emphasizing his background as a retired Green Beret and focusing on key issues affecting South Floridians.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

March 13, 2026

"He was shot in battle and performed surgery for himself in a firefight."

Volusia Sheriff Chitwood backs Jay Collins in Governor’s race, citing military service

March 12, 2026

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Thursday endorsed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins for Florida governor, praising his military service and character.

‘Day One Ready’: Mike Chitwood backs Jay Collins for Governor

March 12, 2026

For the lawman, the endorsement comes down to trust.

Law Enforcement Powerhouse Mike Chitwood Backs Jay Collins For Florida Governor

March 12, 2026

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has officially thrown his support behind Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins in the race for Florida governor. The endorsement, announced Thursday in DeLand, marks a significant alignment between one of the state’s most prominent law enforcement figures and the decorated Green Beret’s gubernatorial campaign.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins campaigns in Boca Raton, outlines vision for state

March 12, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins brought his campaign for governor to Boca Raton on Thursday, pitching himself as a proven conservative leader focused on public safety, immigration enforcement, and easing the state’s affordability crisis.

Talking with Lt. Gov. Collins, Dalí news that will melt your clocks, Cocoa's Car-uso

March 12, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins dials into “Florida Matters Live & Local” to talk about why he’s running for governor and review some of his legislative priorities.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins meets with Punta Gorda leaders

March 10, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited Punta Gorda to meet with local officials about hurricane recovery, insurance costs and the state’s Elevate Florida program.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visits Punta Gorda, discusses insurance costs and Elevate Florida funding

March 10, 2026

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Florida’s lieutenant governor visited Punta Gorda Monday to meet with local leaders and hear what Southwest Florida communities still recovering from recent hurricanes need from the state.

Gubernatorial Candidate Jay Collins Meets with Sheriff Brian Lamb and Speaks at Town Hall in Lafayette County

March 3, 2026

MAYO, FL — Today, decorated Green Beret, Lieutenant Governor, and Gubernatorial Candidate Jay Collins met with Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb, visited Lafayette Logging, LLC in Branford, and spoke to voters at the Lafayette County Republican Executive Committee town hall.

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins visits Dixie County during campaign stop

March 2, 2026

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins made a campaign stop in north central Florida on Monday.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Makes His Pitch For Becoming Governor

February 26, 2026

"Leadership Has A Cost…Your Own Self Interest. Rise Above It, Lead From The Front & Get Things Done." No matter which side of the political aisle you are on…

Jay Collins launches his campaign for Florida's next governor, surrounded by innovation and technology

February 25, 2026

On August 18, Florida, one of the most prosperous states in the United States, will decide its immediate future. These will be the primary elections…

Grant Miller Here at Jay Collins for Governor Campaign Rally

February 24, 2026

This campaign rally centers on Jay Collins' vision to strengthen the state through accountable leadership, economic growth, safer communities, and expanded opportunities for families…

Lt. Governor Jay Collins Visits Astronaut High School

February 20, 2026

Brevard Public Schools welcomed Lt. Governor Jay Collins to Astronaut High School this week, where he toured the school’s expanding Career & Technical Education offerings and spent time with students in the nationally recognized welding program.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited the Kennedy Space Center

February 18, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited the Kennedy Space Center to meet with the Astronaut Memorial Foundation and observe a scheduled Starlink launch

Sheriff Johnson endorses Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in governor's race

February 18, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins was in Santa Rosa County Monday, Feb. 9, to talk about the proposed 2026 budget and meet with Sheriff Bob Johnson…

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Recently Welcomed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins For A Tour Of The Orlando Distribution Center

February 16, 2026

“We were honored to host Lt. Governor Collins today and show how our team works every day to ensure that Central Floridians have access to the healthy food they need to thrive,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest.

Jay Collins travels to the Panhandle to boost DeSantis’ pay increase for corrections officers

February 9, 2026

Florida Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins — now a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor — traveled to the Panhandle Monday to promote Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget request to raise starting pay for correctional officers and staff.

Watch as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visits Santa Rosa Correctional Institute

February 9, 2026

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins held a news conference on Monday morning at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institute, highlighting the essential role of the Department of Corrections.

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, FDC Hold Press Conference to Champion Governor DeSantis' Investment in Florida's Correctional Officers

February 9, 2026

MILTON, Fla. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins stood with Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions Hope Gartman and correctional officers…

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in Milton to announce pay raises for correctional officers

February 9, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited the Santa Rosa County Correctional Institute in Milton Feb. 9 to announce a $373.9 million initiative to provide pay raises…

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins ramps up governor campaigning in Odessa, FL

February 7, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is campaigning for governor as Ron DeSantis is term-limited, making the race wide open. FOX 13’s Blake DeVine reports. Watch here.

Florida freeze hits Parkesdale Farms: Why your grocery bill and Valentine’s Day could be impacted

February 3, 2026

Lt. Governor Jay Collins toured Parkesdale Farms in Hillsborough County on Tuesday afternoon, where Matt Parke, the farm's manager, estimates a crop loss of 20% that will raise prices at the grocery store.

CareerSource Florida and State Leaders Host Second Annual Workforce Day at the Capitol

January 28, 2026

Tallahassee, FL — This week, CareerSource Florida, in partnership with FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Education, hosted the second annual Workforce Day at the Capitol—gathering workforce leaders to celebrate Florida’s #1 ranking in talent attraction and advance strategies that make our workforce system the most responsive in the nation.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins officially enters Florida governor race

January 12, 2026

After months of speculation, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Republican and former Green Beret, announced his candidacy this week, becoming the 34th person to file for the 2026 race, according to state records.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announces 2026 run for Florida governor

January 12, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, launched his campaign for Florida governor on Jan. 12, entering the 2026 race to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Tampa Republican Jay Collins announces bid for Florida governor

January 12, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is running for governor in the 2026 election. He faces Republican candidates Rep. Byron Donalds — endorsed by President Trump — former House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announces bid for Florida governor

January 12, 2026

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced he has joined the crowded Republican field to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announces candidacy for governor

January 12, 2026

Collins served as a state senator before being tapped by DeSantis to be the next lieutenant governor after then-lieutenant governor Jeanette Nuñez was appointed to be the next president of Florida International University.

Florida launches ‘Senior Shield’ task force to protect seniors from scams

November 20, 2025

OVIEDO, Fla. — Florida has launched a new task force named Senior Shield to combat scams targeting seniors, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced at a news conference in Oviedo today.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Do you really own your home?' Florida Lt. Gov. backs ending property taxes

November 3, 2025

In an exclusive interview with CBS12 News reporter Katie Bente, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins defended Governor Ron DeSantis’ push to eliminate property taxes for homesteaded properties — arguing it’s about preserving the American dream of homeownership and keeping government out of people’s pockets. (WPEC)

State brings 28 Floridans home from Melissa-ravaged Jamaica

November 1, 2025

The latest international evacuation flight brought people home after they endured a Cat 5 storm.

Jay Collins Slams Gavin Newsom for Calling Trump Administration a 'Monarchy'

October 20, 2025

"A 'monarchy' that doesn’t event exist in the United States."

More than 350 undocumented immigrants detained in 4-day sting, Jay Collins says

September 26, 2025

'Florida will lead from the front.'

Full Episode: Uthmeier says Worrell is soft on crime, and Collins announces hundreds of arrests in immigration operation

September 26, 2025

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier accused State Attorney Monique Worrell of being soft on crime for not prosecuting or pressing charges in recent child predator cases, and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced hundreds of detentions in immigration operation.

Florida official confronts Newsom over crash tied to illegal immigrant trucker