About the Founder

Born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Charles W. Burkett is the current Mayor of the Town of Surfside. 

He was first elected as Mayor in 2006. He was re-elected Mayor in 2008. Relected again, twelve years later in March of 2020, and elected again in March of 2024. 

(Visit the Surfside Mayor's website by clicking HERE.)

During Charles’ most recent term, he guided Surfside through its most tumultuous 2 years, in its entire 87-year history, when the Covid pandemic struck America, and one of the worst building collapses in American history, struck Surfside.

Charles founded the Burkett Companies, a national management and investment company, in 1983, after graduating from the University of Miami with a finance degree. He started out buying properties in Miami Beach using his savings from monies earned as a construction laborer and has since expanded his investment properties to eight US States- all debt free. Charles' success comes from his dedication to creating value for others - whether it's through providing jobs, developing affordable rentals, or simply creating an opportunity for people to invest in their future.

As a Miami Beach resident, Mayor Burkett invested in decades of community service including, but not limited to, the Miami Beach Housing Authority board for nine years, many as Chairman. He was also a member on the Nuisance Abatement Board, a board member of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and has also served on the Community Development Block Grant Board, the Code Enforcement Board, and Police Academy as a member. He has also participated in many blue ribbon and ad hoc committees.

In his free time, he enjoys music, skiing, diving, flying, boating and good food. 

He has lived in Surfside Florida, enjoying its unparalleled lifestyle since 1996 and is the proud parent of William Michael Burkett.