Baxley is a fifth-generation Floridian[1] He was born in Ocala and attended Central Florida Community College, graduating with an associate degree in 1972.

Baxley is a descendant of a soldier who fought for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.

[3] When incumbent State Representative George Albright, was unable to seek re-election in 2000 due to term limits, he ran to succeed him in the 24th District, which included central Marion County.

When State Senator Nancy Argenziano resigned from her seat to accept an appointment to the Florida Public Service Commission, a special election was called to replace her.

Baxley and fellow State Representative Charles Dean announced that they would resign from their seats in the legislature on May 1, 2007, to run to succeed her.

[5] Over the course of the campaign, Dean attacked Baxley for raising taxes, increasing insurance premiums, and allowing phone rates to skyrocket.

While serving in the legislature, Baxley sponsored a stand-your-ground law that attracted attention in 2012 when George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin.

[10] In 2019, Baxley sponsored legislation that would require public schools to teach skepticism about evolution and about climate change.

[18] The Florida Senate voted 22-18 favorably on a final version that would create a job dashboard and put Bright Futures into general appropriations.

[20][21] The legislation has been opposed by the American Bar Association,[22] Equality Florida,[23] and President Joe Biden.

The House version of the bill (HB 1557) then passed the Florida Senate in March 2022, with Baxley in full support.