Profession:
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Ornamental Horticulture, University of Florida
Community Involvement & Organizations:
- Board of Directors, Next Step Foundation
- Board of Directors, MetroPlan Orlando
- Board of Directors, Tri-County League of Cities
- Board of Directs, Florida League of Mayors
- Board of Directors, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Advisory Council
- Previously served as the head of church council at First Methodist Church of Apopka for three years
- Previously served on the Board of Directors for CareerSource of Florida for eight years
- Previously served in the Florida House of Representatives for eight years
- Previously served on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for four years
Biographical Information:
Bryan Nelson was born and raised in Apopka. After receiving his degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Florida, Bryan came back to work in the family business at Nelson’s Florida Roses. After selling his interest in the nursery, he and his wife Debbie started their own business, Nelson Insurance Services on Park Avenue in Apopka and raised their family here.
Bryan served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 until 2014. He represented District 31 which included Tavares, Eustis, Mt. Dora, Apopka, Astor and Umatilla. While in the Legislature, Bryan served as Chairman of the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee for four years. He also served on the Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, the Health Quality Subcommittee, the Regulatory Affairs Committee and the Select Committee on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
In 2014, Bryan was elected to the Orange County Commission representing District 2 which included Apopka, Ocoee, Eatonville and Zellwood. Bryan served until 2018 when he was elected as Mayor of Apopka.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Next Step Foundation, Bryan serves on the boards of MetroPlan Orlando, Tri-County League of Cities, Florida League of Mayors, and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Advisory Council. He also served as the head of his church council at First Methodist Church of Apopka for the past three years.
In 2022, Mayor Nelson was re-elected to a second term as Mayor. The Mayor looks forward to continuing his service to the Apopka community and is very proud to be a part of it. During his time in office, the Mayor’s focus will include: establishing a fiscally conservative budget, protecting our small-town feel, attracting local, higher paying jobs and revitalizing our community with more dining, retail and entertainment options.
