| Florida Association of Conventions and Visitors Bureaus, Legislator of the Year 2004 |
| Florida Economic Development Council, Inc., Legislator of the Year Award 2004 |
| Florida Housing Coalition, Legislator of the Year 2004 |
| National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Florida Chapter "Florida Heroes Award" 2004 |
| Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development Award 2004 |
| Florida Association of Museums, Museum Service Award 2003 |
| Florida Bankers Association, Leadership Award 2003 |
| Florida Housing Coalition, Legislator of the Year 2003 |
| Florida Boys & Girls Club, Recognition of Service 2002 |
| Florida Funeral Directors, Legislator of the Year 2002 |
| Florida School Boards Association, Legislator of the Year 2002 |
| Funeral & Cemetery Alliance of Florida, Outstanding Legislator of the Year 2002 |
| Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers, Legislator of the Year 2001 |
| Florida Association of Technical Educators, Legislator of the Year 2001 |
| Ranked by The Miami Herald as one of the Top 25 State Legislators for her "sound policy objectives and behind the scenes work" |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters, Legislator of the Year 2000 |
| Florida Association of School Administrators, Legislator of the Year 2000 |
| Girls Inc., "She Knows Where She's Going" Award 2000 |
| Gulf Coast Marine Institute, Legislator of the Year 2000 |
| Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association, Legislator of the Year 2000 |
| Florida Association of School Social Workers, Legislator of the Year 1999 |
| Florida School Boards Association, Legislator of the Year 1999 |
| Women of Distinction Award for Finance 1998 |
| Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business of the Year Award 1993 |
