| Senator Jay Collins was elected to the Florida Senate in 2022.
In addition to his legislative service, he has been active in community leadership, serving as a volunteer coach from 2015 to 2018 and holding positions such as President of Community Watch and membership on advisory councils, including WDAEM, USASOC Leadership, and Norwich Organizational Leadership.
His honors and awards include the Special Forces Qualification Course Leadership Award (2005), the Major General John Singlaub Award (2017), and the Community Hero Veteran Award from the Tampa Bay Hispanic Heritage Festival (2021).
A retired 23-year Army Green Beret, he is affiliated with organizations such as the NRA, the American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the VFW, and the Special Forces Association.
He currently serves as Chief Programs Officer for a national 501(c)(3) organization focused on food needs in and out of disaster zones. Born in Scobey, Montana, he moved to Florida in 2019. He is married to Layla Sangid Collins of Princeton, West Virginia, and they have two children, Gabe and Colt.
He earned a B.S. in Health Sciences from American Military University in 2010, graduating summa cum laude, and attended Norwich University in 2012 with honors. In 2005, he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, where he was recognized with a Leadership Award by his peers and cadre.
A Christian, his recreational interests include spending time with family, running, cycling, and reading. |