Melissa Langley Braude is a Partner at The Florida Group and serves as Chair of the firm’s Local Practice. Throughout her time at TFG, Melissa has developed a strong and impressive track record of success, consistently achieving results on client priorities at both the state and local levels, and providing clients with strategic guidance on a wide range of political issues.

As leader of TFG’s Local Practice, Melissa maintains strong relationships with key officials at City Hall, including the Mayor’s Administration and the Jacksonville City Council, and possesses extensive knowledge of the local budget and legislative processes. In addition to her lobbying role, Melissa also manages TFG’s political and community relations efforts.

Melissa got her start in politics working for the Republican Party of Florida in 2013. Over the years since, she has served on fundraising teams for numerous state and local campaigns, developing an unparalleled understanding of the elections process and the local and state political landscapes.

In 2018, Melissa took a leave of absence from TFG for a stint in public service in Washington, D.C., accepting a position at the Corporation for National and Community Service. There, she worked as Special Assistant to the Director of AmeriCorps State and National, serving as an agency liaison and managing the Director’s special initiatives.

A native of Jacksonville with a unique love for the First Coast, Melissa routinely gives back to the City. She’s a current member of the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville and serves on the Board of Directors for The Allison Brundick Haramis Foundation—also known as Angels for Allison—a non-profit that covers funeral expenses for children.

Melissa graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from The Florida State University. She was selected as a “Rising Star” by Influence Magazine in 2022. She and her husband reside in Jacksonville with their rescue dog, Bunker.