The Collins Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit network of concerned trustees with professional staff in Tallahassee and Miami and advisors throughout the state and nation. The Florida Board of Regents recognizes it as a research center which serves all state universities and is hosted by Florida State University.

To ensure its independence, the Collins Center receives support from a multi-million dollar endowment fund. It also receives grants from individuals, business organizations, private foundations and, for specific projects, from the Florida Legislature.

From its beginning in 1989, the Collins Center has conducted research on major issues which affect the citizens of Florida. Among others these include crime and prisons, constitutional review, public representation in the Florida Legislature, greater participation by African-Americans in Dade County's tourism industry, political campaign ethics, citizen participation in public decisions, neighborhood community economic development, and hurricane catastrophic insurance.