Collins Center

The Collins Center, named in honor of Governor LeRoy Collins (served 1955 – 1961), was established in 1988 as a statewide nonprofit organization to seek out creative, non-partisan solutions to Florida’s toughest issues. Throughout our history, we have strived to uphold the principles maintained by Governor Collins-- public and private integrity, deliberative democracy, environmental stewardship and economic fairness.

Muddy Boots
While we conduct comprehensive and quality public policy analysis, what makes the Collins Center unique is our desire to see changes in public policy implemented. To take an active role in putting these changes to the test. According to Collins Center president Rod Petrey, "We don’t just study problems and write position papers. We actually implement pilot projects and experimental programs to determine how our resolutions to problems will work. Then we’re able to share this information so others can use the knowledge.”

Since 1988, we have focused on many problems that have changed the lives of Floridians and impacted state policy.

• We have heard Floridians speak with great passion about their voting rights and the importance of knowing their vote counted.
• We have seen looks of relief on the faces of homeowners when they were able to reach a settlement with their insurance company following a life-threatening hurricane.
• We have witnessed young men from Overtown give testimony before congressional representatives in Washington on the critical impact men’s health care has on low-income neighborhoods.
• We have awarded small businesses and other organizations for new and creative ways to protect the environment while maintaining economic success.
• We have received heart-felt thank you letters from people who received much needed medical attention through the efforts of our Community Health Workers.
• We have worked in the Overtown community, just north of downtown Miami, to begin new development that will provide residents with new housing options, new job opportunities and a positive step toward returning this historic neighborhood to a vibrant community.
• We have established a mortgage foreclosure mediation program to help resolve disputes between homeowners and their mortgage lenders, allowing many families to stay in their homes.

Collins Center Accomplishments
During our first twenty years, the Collins Center has established a body of work that exemplifies Governor Collins' belief in the vision to see and the courage to act. His concern for balance, justice and perseverance has been applied in both the selection of work as well as the process through which each project has been managed.

Collins Center Staff
The Collins Center offices are located in Tallahassee, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Miami. We provide services statewide and our experienced staff are well acquainted with ways to help consumers, businesses and state government make good public decisions.

Board of Trustees
Learn more about our distinguished Collins Center Board of Trustees.