Danny Burgess is a father, husband, soldier, lawyer, and public servant. He is a life-long resident of the Tampa Bay area and grew up in Pasco County. Born and raised in Zephyrhills, Danny attended Zephyrhills High School and the University of South Florida. At the age of 18 he was elected the youngest City Council Member in the history of Zephyrhills and the youngest elected official in the State.

He served two terms on City Council before going to Barry University School of Law to get his law degree.

He served as Mayor of Zephyrhills from 2013-2014 before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014. In 2016 he was reelected without opposition. He served as Chair of the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee in the Florida House.

Danny was tapped by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2018 to serve as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and has led the agency until June 2020, when he announced his run for the State Senate.

Danny currently serves as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He is married to Courtney Burgess, originally of Lithia, Florida, and they are the proud parents of three beautiful children: Adeline (6), Daniel III (4), and Eleanor (1). 

Danny has attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, located in Zephyrhills, his entire life and is actively involved in various community organizations and local charities.

Education:

University of South Florida, B.A.,

Political Science, 2008

Barry University School of Law,

J.D., 2011

The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, 2013

Employment & Elected Office:

Executive Director, Florida Department of Veterans  Affairs, 2018 – Present

State Representative, Florida House of Representatives, District 38, 2014-2018

Soldier, United States Army Reserve, 2012-Present

Mayor, City of Zephyrhills, 2013-2014

City Councilman, City of Zephyrhills 2005-2008

Champion for Agriculture Award, Florida Farm Bureau

Defender of Home Rule Award, Florida League of Cities

Florida Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Advocate Award

Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Leadership in Government Award

Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislator of the Year Award

East Pasco Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Community Service Award