Melissa Rutland for State Representative — Florida House District 60

Protecting the Pinellas Way of Life

Melissa is running to protect the community that raised her. For four generations, her family has worked to improve life for our families, seniors, and small businesses. We need that spirit today more than ever — and those who have met Melissa know she will NEVER give up.

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Get To Know Melissa Rutland

Helped complete recognizable projects such as the Speer YMCA, the 600 Central Ave small businesses block, Mainstream Station, Whole Foods, and more.
Served on various boards throughout the community, including Gulf Coast Habitat for Humanity Women Build, Babycycle, Bayfront Hospital Foundation, Downtown Partnership, St. Petersburg Rotary, and the YMCA of St. Petersburg.
Recognized by Leadership Tampa Bay and Business Observer 40 Under 40.
First Woman Chair of the Development Review Commission, where she served three terms.

“My family’s history instilled in me the values of perseverance and hard work. My dad passed away when I was at the age of 26, and I took on a lot of the family business to keep things moving. Now I’m running to carry on our legacy of stepping up and helping my community when we need it most.” — Melissa Rutland

Read Melissa’s Story

Latest News

The momentum behind Melissa’s campaign for House District 60. See all news ›

September 2, 2026

Melissa Rutland Continues to Outraise Lindsay Polega-Quigley in Tough Fight for HD 60

Melissa has raised more than $103,000 to her campaign since June and leads in cash on hand as Republicans eye a pickup in House District 60.

Rutland Pitches Business Case in Bid to Flip House District 60

A day after her campaign kick-off at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Melissa makes the case that HD 60 voters are ready to return the seat to the GOP.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri Backs Melissa Rutland for HD 60

“A strong commitment to public safety.” Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri endorses Melissa, citing her common-sense leadership and support for law enforcement.

A community-minded leader who brings people together. Appointed by both parties — by a Democratic mayor to the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission (later its first woman Chair) and by a Republican governor to the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board.
A proven problem-solver who turns ideas into delivered results. Helped bring the Speer YMCA and Mangrove Bay Middle School partnership to life (serving about 500 students), landed a neighborhood Whole Foods, and closed the first project in Pinellas under the Live Local Act, bringing more workforce housing to our community.
An established local leader with deep Pinellas roots. Melissa began her career in real estate development and investment nearly three decades ago in the real estate department at Raymond James. She went on to found her own firm and earn the CCIM designation. Models her public service on Congressman Bill Young — putting Pinellas first and bringing people together across party lines.