Real-world experience for the Florida House.

June 10, 2026

Melissa Rutland Announces Campaign for Florida House District 60

St. Petersburg businesswoman running to bring real-world experience to the Florida Legislature.

“I’m a businesswoman, and until recently, running for office was not part of my plan — but my community is struggling, and I understand the issues that matter most in Pinellas County. I’ve seen firsthand how the cost of rebuilding after the hurricanes and the need for sound infrastructure are pricing neighbors out of their homes. We need creative solutions to solve the difficult problems of insurance rates and property taxes that keep climbing so they don’t break the bank for Pinellas families.” — Melissa Rutland

A fourth-generation St. Petersburg businesswoman, Melissa’s roots in Pinellas County stretch back more than a century, when her family helped build St. Petersburg’s business community through Rutland Brothers Department Store, Rutland’s men’s store on Central Avenue, and St. Petersburg Bank & Trust, which eventually became Rutland Bank, which left a lasting impact on the city.

Melissa began her career in real estate development and investment nearly 30 years ago in the real estate department at Raymond James. In 2015, she founded Rutland Florida Gulf Group and was appointed by Mayor Rick Kriseman to the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission. During her near decade of public service on the commission, she served as the first woman chair. In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed her to serve on the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board.

In her professional role, she works with property owners, small businesses, investors, and local stakeholders to find solutions and deliver results. She has been a Certified Commercial Investment Member since 2013 and has built a reputation for approaching each opportunity with creativity, collaboration, and a focus on community impact. Melissa is an active member of the St. Pete EDC and the Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Leadership Tampa Bay, Class of 2017 and was recognized by the Queen of Hearts Ball for her heart in the community.

Melissa’s commitment to service extends beyond business. She served on the board of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg for a decade, focusing on the impacts of early learning. Currently serving on the boards of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and the Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital Foundation. She previously served on boards for the St Petersburg Museum of History, Florida CCIM West Coast and the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg and as Treasurer of Babycycle, a nonprofit supporting local families with young children. Melissa is a member of the First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg.