Governor DeSantis appoints Jay Collins as Florida's new lieutenant governor at Tampa news conference

State Sen. Collins appointed as lieutenant governor

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed State Sen. Jay Collins as the state?s lieutenant governor. Aaron Mesmer reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed State Sen. Jay Collins as the state’s lieutenant governor.

The governor's announcement and Collins' swearing-in ceremony took place at a news conference in Tampa on Tuesday morning.

Collins succeeds Jeanette Nunez, who stepped down earlier this year after being named president of Florida International University.

Jay Collins sworn in as lieutenant governor

Gov. DeSantis announced the appointment of Jay Collins as Florida's new lieutenant governor at a news conference in Tampa on Tuesday.

Who is Jay Collins?

The backstory:

Collins has represented District 14 -- which covers western portions of Hillsborough County -- in the Florida Senate since his election in 2022.

RELATED: Republican Jay Collins eager to get to work after defeating longtime state senator Janet Cruz

Prior to holding public office, Collins served in the U.S. Army from 1995 until 2018, including several overseas deployments as a Green Beret. Collins had his leg amputated after suffering chronic injuries during combat, but continued to serve five more years as a Green Beret and earned a Purple Heart.

Collins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from American Military University in 2010, graduating summa cum laude. He then earned a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership from Norwich University in 2012.

Courtesy: Florida Senate.

Earlier this year, Collins made headlines when he filed Senate Bill 918, which would have allowed teenagers to work more than 30 hours a week. It also would have allowed 14-and 15-year-olds who have graduated from high school, earned a GED, are homeschooled, or attend virtual school to work longer hours. The bill did not make it to the full Senate floor.

In June, Collins was a key player in organizing rescue flights for Americans to come home from Israel as the overseas conflict with Iran escalated.

‘The Chuck Norris of Florida politics’

What they're saying:

During Tuesday's news conference, DeSantis praised Collins' conservative values and ability to lead, referring to him as "the Chuck Norris of Florida politics."

"He's been a man of action," DeSantis said. "He has delivered conservative wins and, I think, has been one of the most productive senators we’ve had in modern Florida history."

Pictured: Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference in Tampa on Aug. 12, 2025.

After being sworn in, Collins echoed the governor's statements about "keeping Florida strong."

"The battlefield may change, but the mission stays the same," Collins said. "We are going to protect every single thing that matters. We will not stop our fight. We will not slow down."

Collins also spoke about his desire to be a leader for all Floridians.

"Regardless of where you live or where your politics are, I want you to know that as your lieutenant governor, I have your back," Collins said.

Pictured: New Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins speaks at a news conference in Tampa on Aug. 12, 2025.

In a statement released prior to Tuesday's news conference, the Republican Party of Florida congratulated Collins on his appointment.

"The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) proudly congratulates State Senator and decorated Army Green Beret Jay Collins on his appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as Florida's next Lieutenant Governor. Collins' appointment fills the vacancy left by former Lieutenant Governor Jeannette Nuñez, who was appointed President of Florida International University in February.

"Congratulations to Senator Jay Collins on this exciting appointment," said Chairman Evan Power. "Collins served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and twice in South America during his distinguished military career, demonstrating steadfast dedication to our country. In the Florida Senate, he has been a strong and reliable advocate for supporting families, preserving community values, and protecting individual freedoms."

Senator Collins served over two decades in the Army Special Forces, earning the Purple Heart for his service in combat. His 23-year military career reflects a deep commitment to his country and to defending its principles. After retiring from the military, Collins founded a nonprofit organization supporting veterans, first responders, and Floridians in need.

In 2022, Collins was elected to the Florida Senate, defeating incumbent Democrat Janet Cruz in a double-digit win that flipped the seat to Republican control. In the Senate, he has focused on policies that promote limited government, individual liberties, and public safety.

The Republican Party of Florida congratulates Senator Jay Collins on his appointment and looks forward to his continued service in his new role."