Background
Berman was born in New York City, New York, moved to the state of Florida in 1958, and later attended Tufts University, where she graduated with a Bachelor"s degree in 1980.
Berman was born in New York City, New York, moved to the state of Florida in 1958, and later attended Tufts University, where she graduated with a Bachelor"s degree in 1980.
Afterwards, she attended the George Washington University Law School, graduating in 1983. She returned to Florida, and, years later, attended the University of Miami Law School, where she received a Master of Laws with a specialty in estate planning in 2002.
While working as an attorney in South Florida, Berman became active in politics, working for the congressional campaigns of former Congressman Robert Wexler and in his congressional office. When incumbent State Representative Maria Sachs opted to run for the Florida Senate rather than seek re-election, Berman ran to succeed her in the Democratic primary in the 86th District, which stretched from Hypoluxo to Boca Raton in eastern Palm Beach County. In 2012, when the Florida House districts were reconfigured, Berman was redistricted into the 90th District, which included most of the territory that she had previously represented.
The Palm Beach Post endorsed Berman for re-election, praising her for having "an impact in a Grand Old Party-dominated legislature," despite adhering "too much to liberal party doctrine." The South Florida Sun-Sentinel concurred, criticizing Kasper for "his lack of understanding..the issues facing lawmakers and the basics of..the legislative process," but endorsing Berman for her "decent record of representing county residents in Tallahassee." She ended up defeating Kasper in a landslide, receiving 68% of the vote to his 32%.
While serving in the legislature, Berman joined with fellow State Representative Janet Cruz to propose legislation that would ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in the state of Florida. Berman also sponsored legislation that would "impose background checks on all gun purchasers," but it did not pass in the 2013 legislative session.
In 2014, Berman was re-elected to her third term in the legislature without opposition.
Member executive council United Jewish Appeal Federation, Washington, 1987-1989, Boca Raton, since 1990, Leadership Boca, 1992. Member American Bar Association, District of Columbia Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.
Married Jeffrey Ganeles, November 26, 1983. Children: Caryn Elissa, Steven Aaron.
