Senator Colleen Burton was born in Heidelberg, Germany. Her father’s military career took her to many countries and states. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Sacramento, and has called Florida her home for the past 38 years. Senator Burton and her husband of 44 years, Brad, have 3 children and 3 grandchildren that keep her busy and grounded.
Senator Burton was elected to the Florida Senate in November of 2022 after serving eight years in the Florida House of Representatives. Senator Burton serves as the Chair of the Health Policy and Vice Chair of Judiciary. She also sits on several other committees: Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government, Agriculture, Banking and Insurance, Fiscal Policy, and Rules. Additionally, Senator Burton was appointed to the Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. She serves on the Board of Directors for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) and is a State Director of Florida for Women in Government.
Prior to being elected, Senator Burton served as the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, and Polk Vision, President of the Lakeland Republican Women’s Club, Board member of the Catholic Charities of Central Florida West Central Advisory Board, the United Way of Central Florida Community Impact Cabinet, the Central Florida Development Council Board of Directors, and the Polk County Workforce Development Board.