Representative Charles W. McBurney Jr. was born Orlando, where he attended public schools and early on developed an interest in government and history. When he was ten he served as a page for the State House of Representatives.

Continuing his interest in government, Charles attended the University of Florida and majored in political science and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After he graduated with High Honors, he served as an aide to two elected officials from Alabama: U. S. Representative Tom Beville for one summer; and U. S. Senator Hal Heflin for another summer. He then attended the University of Florida Law School, receiving his law degree in l982.

After graduation Charles went to work for Ed Austin in the State Attorney’s Office, his last position with the State Attorney’s Office being that of Senior Trial Assistant. During that period of time, he was responsible for forfeitures taken from drug offenders of approximately $l.2 million.

After six years with the State, he moved on to practice Business Law as a partner with Fischette, Owen, Held & McBurney. In 2004 Charles started his own firm and is particularly proud that he has attained the highest rating achievable in the practice of law.

Charles has served the community in numerous professional and civic organizations. He has served as Chairman of the Southeast Citizens Planning Advisory Committee and as President of the Civic Roundtable. Through his leadership as President of the Jaycees, he was responsible for building them into an award-winning club. He served as President and Chairman of the Board for the First Coast Tiger Bay Club, and later received their Leadership Award for his work with them. Charles felt especially gratified that he was able to establish a Tiger Bay Speech Competition for high school students with scholarships for the winners.

Charles has served as an officer or director of at least 20 other organizations in the community. In 2006 he was honored with the Small Business Person of the Year Award for excellence in business, the highest honor presented by the Southside Business Men’s Club.
Along with his professional obligations and his involvement in the community, Charles puts his family as the first priority. His wife Deborah, a music teacher at Mandarin Oaks Elementary, and her two daughters have supported Charles on his road to the State Capitol by being at his side through it all.

On September 18th 2007 Charles was elected by more than 79% of the vote to become the State House Representative for District 16. In a short time Representative McBurney found himself in two special sessions and nominated to several committees including a vice chairmanship on the Committee on Education Innovation & Career preparation. He also serves on the Committee on Business Regulation, the Committee on Urban & Local Affairs, The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee, and the Schools & and Learning Council. The issues that are at the forefront of his mind today are the same issues he campaign on: frugality in government spending; budgeting the tax dollars in a fair way; continuing to improve the educational system and lowering the crime rate.