Debbie was elected to the Florida Senate in 2016 and has been reelected in 2020 and 2022. She serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules as of 2023 and was the Majority Leader from 2020 to 2022. Prior to her time in the Senate, she served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2008 to 2016. She has also chaired various legislative delegations, including the Brevard County Legislative Delegation in 2017 and 2021 and the Indian River County Legislative Delegation in 2015, 2016, and 2018.

Throughout her career, Debbie has received numerous awards and honors. These include the Legislative Champion of the Year from Keep Florida Beautiful (2023), Defender of Home Rule from the Florida League of Cities (2023), and the Champion of Housing Award from the Florida Home Builder's Association (2023). She has been recognized with various "A" ratings from organizations such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation for Florida's Future, and has received Legislator of the Year Awards from the Florida Society of Rheumatology and the Florida Dental Association. She has also earned recognition for her efforts in conservation, economic development, and child advocacy.

Debbie is affiliated with several organizations, including the Republican Women of Indian River County, Brevard Federated Republican Women, and the NRA. She has also been involved in the Ascension Catholic Women and Professional Republican Women and Mothers.