title: Sharon J. Merchant
text: # Sharon J. Merchant
  
  Sharon J. Merchant (born August 30, 1963) is an American politician in the state of Florida. She was a representative in the Florida House of Representatives for the 83rd district between 1993 and 2001.
  
  ## Early life
  
  Merchant was born on August 30, 1963, in West Palm Beach, Florida. She received a bachelor's degree in international affairs, with a double minor in Spanish and business, from Florida State University in 1986. She worked as a legislative aide to Marian Lewis and as executive vice president for an equipment rental service.
  
  ## Political career
  
  Merchant was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives for the 83rd district in the 1992 general election. While in office, she served as the chair of the appropriations committee on transportation and economic development, the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, and as vice chair of the Republican caucus.
  
  ## Later life
  
  After leaving office, Merchant became the president of The Merchant Strategy Inc., a political consultancy, and was later appointed as a board member of the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.
  
  