Florida State Senate (2024)

Florida State Senate
Florida State Senate (1)
General Information
Party control: Republican
Session start: January 9, 2024
Session end: March 8, 2024
Term length: 2-4-4 year system
Term limits: 2 terms (8 years)
Redistricting:Legislature-dominant
Salary: $29,697/year + per diem
Members
Total:40
Democrats:12
Republicans:28
Other:0
Vacancies:0
Leadership
President: Kathleen Passidomo (R)
Maj. Leader: Ben Albritton (R)
Min. Leader: Lauren Book (D)
Elections
Last election:November 8, 2022
Next election:November 5, 2024

The Florida State Senate is the upper chamber of the Florida State Legislature. Alongside the Florida House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Florida state government and works alongside the governor of Florida to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Florida State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Florida State Senate meets in the state capitol complex in Tallahassee, Florida.

  • Twenty of the Florida Senate's 40 seats are up for election in 2024.
  • All 40 seats in the Florida State Senate were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Republican majority increased from 23-16 with one vacancy to 28-12.
  • Florida has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

  • This page contains the following information on the Florida State Senate.

    • Which party controls the chamber
    • The chamber's current membership
    • Partisan control of the chamber over time
    • Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
    • A district map
    • How redistricting works in the state
    • Legislation currently under consideration
    • Legislative session dates
    • Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
    • A list of committees

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Florida State Senate as of May 2024:

    PartyAsof May 2024
    Democratic Party12
    Republican Party28
    Other0
    Vacancies0
    Total 40

    Members

    Leadership

    The president of the Senate is selected by the majority party caucus and then elected by the full membership of the Senate. The president pro tempore is selected by the president of the Senate and elected by the full membership of the Senate.[1][2]

    Leadership and members

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    Office Name Party Date assumed office
    Florida State Senate District 1Doug Broxson Republican November 8, 2016
    Florida State Senate District 2Jay Trumbull Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 3Corey Simon Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 4Clay Yarborough Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 5Tracie Davis Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 6Jennifer Bradley Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 7Travis Hutson Republican November 8, 2016
    Florida State Senate District 8Tom Wright Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 9Keith Perry Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 10Jason Brodeur Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 11Blaise Ingoglia Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 12Colleen Burton Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 13Dennis Baxley Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 14Jay Collins Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 15Geraldine Thompson Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 16Darryl Rouson Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 17Linda Stewart Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 18Nick DiCeglie Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 19Debbie Mayfield Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 20Jim Boyd Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 21Ed Hooper Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 22Joe Gruters Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 23Daniel Burgess Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 24Bobby Powell Jr. Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 25Victor Torres Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 26Lori Berman Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 27Ben Albritton Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 28Kathleen Passidomo Republican November 8, 2016
    Florida State Senate District 29Erin Grall Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 30Tina Polsky Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 31Gayle Harrell Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 32Rosalind Osgood Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 33Jonathan Allen Martin Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 34Shevrin Jones Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 35Lauren Book Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 36Ileana Garcia Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 37Jason Pizzo Democratic November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 38Alexis Calatayud Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 39Bryan Avila Republican November 8, 2022
    Florida State Senate District 40Ana Maria Rodriguez Republican November 8, 2022

    Salaries

    See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2023
    SalaryPer diem
    $18,000/yearPer diem rates established by Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.

    Swearing in dates

    See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Florida legislators assume office on the day they are elected in the general election.[3]

    Membership qualifications

    See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

    Article III, Section 15 of the Florida Constitution states: "Each legislator shall be at least twenty-one years of age, an elector and resident of the district from which elected and shall have resided in the state for a period of two years prior to election."[4]

    Historical party control

    Republicans won control of the Florida State Senate in 1994. In 2022, they won a 28-12 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Florida Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Florida State Senate election results: 1992-2022

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22
    Democrats20*191715151414141412141415171612
    Republicans20*212325252626262628262625232428
    *The two parties adopted a power-sharing agreement to accommodate the 20-20 tie in the chamber.

    Before 1992

    Democrats had controlled the Florida State Senate since the 1876 elections, which came in the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

    Trifecta history

    A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Florida was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: 1992
    • Republican trifecta: 1999-2009, 2011-2023
    • Divided government: 1993-1998, 2010

    Florida Party Control: 1992-2024
    One year of a Democratic trifectaTwenty-five years of Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year929394959697989900010203040506070809101112131415161718192021222324
    GovernorDDDDDDDRRRRRRRRRRRIRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    SenateDSSRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    HouseDDDDDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

    Elections

    Elections by year

    Florida state senators serve 2-4-4 terms, where senators serve one two-year term and two four-year terms each decade. Florida holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2024

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2024

    Elections for the Florida State Senate will take place in 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024. The primary is August 20, 2024. The filing deadline is June 14, 2024.

    2022

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2022

    Elections for the Florida State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 23, 2022. The filing deadline was June 17, 2022.

    In the 2022 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Florida State Senate from 23-16 with one vacancy to 28-12.

    Florida State Senate
    PartyAsof November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
    Democratic Party1612
    Republican Party2328
    Vacancy10
    Total 40 40

    2020

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2020

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 18, 2020. The filing deadline was June 12, 2020.

    In the 2020 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Florida State Senate from 23-17 to 24-16.

    Florida State Senate
    PartyAsof November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
    Democratic Party1716
    Republican Party2324
    Total 40 40

    2018

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2018

    Elections for the Florida State Senate took place in 2018. A closed primary election took place on August 28, 2018.[5] The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was June 22, 2018.[6]

    In the 2018 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Florida State Senate from 22-16 to 23-17.

    Florida State Senate
    PartyAsof November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
    Democratic Party1617
    Republican Party2223
    Vacancy20
    Total 40 40

    2016

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2016

    Elections for the Florida State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 30, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 24, 2016. Following a court-ordered redrawing of the state Senate map in 2015, all 40 seats were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 26-14 majority. Republicans lost one seat in the election, giving them a 25-15 majority.

    Florida State Senate
    PartyAsof November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
    Democratic Party1415
    Republican Party2625
    Total 40 40
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2014

    Elections for the Florida State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 26, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 20, 2014. State senate seats in the even-numbered districts were on the ballot in 2012.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 26-14 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

    Florida State Senate
    PartyAsof November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
    Democratic Party1414
    Republican Party2626
    Total 40 40

    2012

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 14, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was May 7, 2012. A total of 40 seats were up for election. Although Florida senators typically serve four-year terms, they are elected to a two-year term during the first election of the decade. Thus, rather than only half of all senators being up for election, all sitting members were on the ballot in 2012.

    Florida state senators are subject to term limits and may serve no more than two four-year terms. In 2012, 10 state senators were termed-out.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 28-12 majority. Republicans lost two seats in the election, giving them a 26-14 majority.

    Florida State Senate
    PartyAsof November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
    Democratic Party1214
    Republican Party2826
    Total 40 40


    The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

    2012 Margin of Victory, Florida State Senate
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 34Florida State Senate (2) Maria Sachs5.7%231,759Ellyn Bogdanoff
    District 24Florida State Senate (3) Tom Lee8.1%194,041Elizabeth Belcher
    District 13Florida State Senate (4) Andy Gardiner10.8%211,936Christopher Charles Pennington
    District 10Florida State Senate (5) David Simmons11%212,272Leo Cruz
    District 8Florida State Senate (6) Dorothy Hukill14.1%203,236Frank Bruno, Jr.
    District 25Florida State Senate (7) Joseph Abruzzo14.3%218,224Melanie Peterson
    District 21Florida State Senate (8) Denise Grimsley14.8%186,636Stacy Anderson McCland
    District 7Florida State Senate (9) Rob Bradley15.4%213,546William Mazzota
    District 20Florida State Senate (10) Jack Latvala15.7%221,223Ashley M. Rhodes-Courter
    District 15Florida State Senate (11) Kelli Stargel16.9%193,660Stego Blue

    2010

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 24, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was April 30, 2010. State senate seats in the even-numbered districts were on the ballot in 2010.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 26-13 majority. Republicans gained two seats the election, giving them a 28-12 majority.

    Florida State Senate
    PartyAsof November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
    Democratic Party1312
    Republican Party2628
    Vacancy1-
    Total 40 40


    In 2010, the total amount of campaign contributions raised in senate elections was $14,617,863. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

    2010 Donors, Florida State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Domino, Carl J$592,600
    Florida Democratic Party$588,915
    Florida Republican Party$525,959
    Perniciaro, Charles$385,980
    Dockery, Paula B$281,500
    McGriff Jr, Perry C$150,500
    Hospital Corporation of America$67,500
    Burkert, Pete$67,315
    Margolis, Gwen$65,000
    Florida Chamber of Commerce$62,000

    2008

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 26, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008.

    During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $13,201,165. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

    2008 Donors, Florida State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Florida Republican Party$1,451,514
    Florida Democratic Party$591,635
    Ryan, Timothy M$142,570
    Grant, Michael J$132,532
    Campbell Jr, Walter Skip$81,841
    Woodard, Maurice$66,749
    Hospital Corp of America$57,500
    Florida Hospital Association$53,500
    AT&T$41,000
    Florida Cable Telecommunications Association$38,500

    2006

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 5, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006.

    During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $16,698,450. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2006 Donors, Florida State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Slosberg, Irving$2,935,000
    Ring, Jeremy S$1,360,500
    Florida Republican Party$1,350,456
    Florida Democratic Party$420,384
    Young, Ray$89,170
    Gaetz, Don$53,332
    Wellcare Health Plans$52,000
    Hospital Corp of America$42,500
    Florida Association of Realtors$37,000
    Florida Hospital Association$33,500

    2004

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 31, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004.

    During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,973,600. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2004 Donors, Florida State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Florida Republican Party$280,048
    Florida Democratic Party$223,544
    Hospital Corp of America$31,500
    Florida Association Of Realtors$25,000
    Florida Hospital Association$24,500
    Florida Police Benevolent Association$21,000
    Florida Cable Telecommunications Association$20,000
    Teco Energy$18,000
    Florida Phosphate$17,000
    Florida Institute of Cpas$17,000

    2002

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 10, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002.

    During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $13,012,199. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2002 Donors, Florida State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Florida Republican Party$923,822
    Florida Democratic Party$558,973
    Bennett, Michael S$100,000
    Lerner, Cindy L$50,374
    Florida Hospital Association$44,000
    Merchant, Sharon J$35,100
    Florida Cable Telecommunications Association$34,500
    Florida Power & Light$32,000
    Hospital Corp of America$32,000
    Cosgrove, John F$30,500

    2000

    See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Florida State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 5, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000.

    During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $12,151,845. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

    2000 Donors, Florida State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Florida Democratic Party$850,482
    Florida Republican Party$816,398
    Casey, Bob$65,500
    Constantine, Lee$50,000
    Florida Cable Telecommunications Association$38,978
    Boyd, Janegale$38,331
    Florida Power & Light$35,500
    Bellsouth$31,500
    Cowin, Anna$31,000
    Scales, Leslie$30,500

    Term limits

    See also: State legislatures with term limits

    The Florida legislature is one of 16 state legislatures with term limits. Voters enacted the Florida Term Limits Act in 1992. That initiative said that Florida senators are subject to term limits of no more than two four-year terms.

    The first year that the term limits enacted in 1992 impacted the ability of incumbents to run for office was in 2000.[13]

    Vacancies

    See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in the Florida State Legislature, a special election must be called to fill the vacant seat.[14] The governor is responsible for calling the election and must consult with the secretary of state to set the election dates and nominating deadlines.[15] The person elected to fill the seat serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.[16]

    Florida State Senate (12) See sources: Florida Stat. § 100.101

    District map

    See also: Florida state legislative districts

    The state of Florida has 40 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.

    Redistricting

    See also: Redistricting in Florida

    In Florida, both congressional and state legislative district lines are drawn by the state legislature. Congressional lines are adopted as regular legislation and are subject to gubernatorial veto. State legislative lines are passed via joint resolution and are not subject to gubernatorial veto. State legislative district maps are automatically submitted to the Florida Supreme Court for approval. In the event that the court rejects the lines, the legislature is given a second chance to draft a plan. If the legislature cannot approve a state legislative redistricting plan, the state attorney general must ask the state supreme court to draft a plan. There are no similar procedures in place for congressional districts.[17]

    The Florida Constitution requires that all districts, whether congressional or state legislative, be contiguous. Also, "where doing so does not conflict with minority rights, [districts] must be compact and utilize existing political and geographical boundaries where feasible." Districts cannot be drawn in such a way as to "favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent."[17][18]

    2020

    See also: Redistricting in Florida after the 2020 census

    On March 3, 2022, the Florida Supreme Court approved new legislative maps drawn by the Florida State Legislature. These maps took effect for Florida's 2022 legislative elections.

    The maps were passed by the legislature as a joint resolution. The Florida State Senate voted 34-3 to approve the bill on January 20, and the Florida House of Representatives voted 77-39 to approve the bill on February 2.[19] Since the maps were passed as a joint resolution, they did not require the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to become law. After the legislature approved the maps, they submitted them to Attorney General Ashley B. Moody (R), who then petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to review the maps on February 9.[20][21]

    District map after 2020 redistricting

    Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

    Florida State Senate Districts
    until November 7, 2022

    Click a district to compare boundaries.

    Florida State Senate Districts
    starting November 8, 2022

    Click a district to compare boundaries.

    2010

    See also: Redistricting in Florida after the 2010 census

    Florida received its 2010 local census data on March 16, 2011. The state population increased by 2.8 million residents, or 17.6 percent.[22] The 2010 redistricting process was impacted by Amendment 5, passed by voters in 2010, which established that legislative district boundaries had to be drawn so that they used city, county, and geographical boundaries, and were as equal in population as possible.[23]

    The Senate redistricting committee approved a proposed map on January 11, which ultimately received final approval from the Florida State Legislature on February 9. The legislative maps were approved 80-37 in the House and 31-7 in the Senate, moving to the Florida Supreme Court for approval.[24] On March 10, the Florida Supreme Court issued a 234-page decision rejecting the state’s new Senate maps, while upholding the new House districts and providing an interpretation of the state's 2010 redistricting reform amendment. The Court found that eight districts had been drawn to favor incumbents and thus violated the state's legislative redistricting amendment. In addition, the court found that districts had been renumbered in order to allow select incumbents to serve longer terms.[25] The Legislature modified 24 districts on the map and sent it back to the Court, who approved it on April 27. Three days later it was approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.[26][27]

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Florida State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Florida by year

    2024

    See also: 2024 Florida legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2024, and adjourn on March 8, 2024.

    2023

    See also: 2023 Florida legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on March 7, 2023, and adjourn on May 5, 2023.

    Click [show] for past years' session dates.

    2022

    See also: 2022 Florida legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

    In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2022, and adjourn on March 14, 2022.

    2021

    See also: 2021 Florida legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

    In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on March 2, 2021, and adjourn on April 30, 2021.

    2020

    See also: 2020 Florida legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

    In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on March 19, 2020.

    Effect of coronavirus pandemic

    See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
    Florida State Senate (13)
    Coronavirus pandemic
    Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

    Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. No modifications to state legislative activity in Florida were made.

    2019

    See also: 2019 Florida legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

    In 2019, the legislature was in session from March 5, 2019, through May 3, 2019.

    2018

    See also: 2018 Florida legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

    In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2018, through March 11, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

    2017

    See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

    In 2017, the legislature was in session from March 7, 2017, through May 8, 2017. The legislature held a special session from June 7, 2017, to June 9, 2017.

    2016

    See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

    In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through March 11.

    2015

    See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

    In 2015, the legislature was in session from March 3 through May 1. The first special session was held from June 1 to June 19. The second special session was held from August 10 to August 21. A third special session was held from October 19 to November 5.[28]

    Major issues in 2015

    Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included Gov. Rick Scott's (R) proposed $77 billion annual budget, water quality, and the use of testing to evaluate students across the state.[29]

    2014

    See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

    In 2014, the legislature was in session from March 3 through May 5.

    Major issues in 2014

    Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included creating a new budget using an $850 million surplus, a package of $500 million in tax cuts called for by the governor, Common Core, and Medicaid expansion.[30]

    The legislature approved several bills, including legislation that would provide stand your grand immunity for people that fire warning shots, the legalization of non-euphoric medical marijuana, and allowing students born to undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates at state universities and colleges.[31]

    On May 2, 2014, legislators approved a $77 billion state budget which increased spending on schools, child welfare, and the cleanup of damaged water bodies. The budget included a 5 percent raise for state law-enforcement officers and an increase for some working in the judiciary. Critics of the budget argued that the budget should have included raises for a much larger portion of state workers.[32][33]

    2013

    See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

    In 2013, the legislature was in session from March 5 to May 3.

    Major issues in 2013

    Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included ethics and election reforms, gambling laws, Medicaid, sales tax, and unmanned drone use by law enforcement.[34][35]

    2012

    See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

    In 2012, the Legislature was in session from January 10 through March 9.

    2011

    See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

    In 2011, the legislature was in session from March 8 through May 6.

    Session highlights

    In 2011, the legislature reduced government spending and avoided raising taxes. Spending was reduced by $1 billion from the previous year, and $4 billion less than in 2006. Florida also removed 14,000 businesses from corporate tax income rolls. Areas that spending was cut included education and social programs. The legislature removed funding from a veteran's homeless support group, reduced payments to social workers by 15 percent, and spent $2.5 billion less on education than the previous year.[36]

    2010

    See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

    In 2010, the legislature was in session from March 2nd to April 30th.

    About legislative sessions in Florida

    The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[37] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    Article III of the Florida Constitution establishes when the Legislature is to be in session. Section 3 of Article III states that the regular session of the Legislature is to convene on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each odd-numbered year and on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January of each even-numbered year. Regular sessions of the Legislature are not to exceed sixty days, unless extended by a three-fifths vote of each house.

    Section 3 also allows for the convening of special sessions, either by the proclamation of the governor of Florida or as otherwise provided by law.

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, term limits, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Florida State Senate (14)

    See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Florida are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

    Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 80 of the 120 members in the Florida House of Representatives and 27 of the 40 members in the Florida State Senate. Florida is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    Vetoes can be overridden in a special session or when the next regular session convenes.[38][39] Three-fifths of members or the presiding officers of both legislative chambers must agree to call for a special session.[40]

    Authority: Article III, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution.

    "If each house shall, by a two-thirds vote, re-enact the bill or reinstate the vetoed specific appropriation of a general appropriation bill, the vote of each member voting shall be entered on the respective journals, and the bill shall become law or the specific appropriation reinstated, the veto notwithstanding."

    Role in state budget

    See also: Florida state budget and finances
    Florida on Florida State Senate (15)
    Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
    BudgetsCivil libertiesEducationElectionsEnergyEnvironmentHealthcarePensions

    The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[41]

    1. In June or July, the governor sends budget instructions to state agencies.
    2. In September or October, agencies submit their budget requests to the governor.
    3. Budget hearings are held with the public from October through February.
    4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature 30 days before the legislature convenes.
    5. The legislature adopts a budget in March, April, or May, effective for the fiscal year beginning on July 1. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

    The governor is statutorily required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. In turn, the legislature must pass a balanced budget, and any budget signed into law by the governor must be balanced.[41]

    Florida is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[41][42]

    Florida budgets three major funds: the General Fund, the Major Special Revenue Fund, and the Special Revenue Fund. Both the Major Special Revenue Fund and the Special Revenue Fund are composed of lesser funds. The Major Special Revenue Fund is composed of three lesser funds, and the Special Revenue Fund is composed of about 19 to 20 lesser funds.[43]

    Committees

    See also: List of committees in Florida state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Florida State Senate has 19 standing committees:

    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

    The methods in which the Florida Constitution can be amended:

    See also: Article XI of the Florida Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Florida

    The Florida Constitution provides five mechanisms for amending the state's constitution—a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, a state constitutional convention process, and a commission-referral process with two commissions that have the power to refer amendments. Florida requires 60% supermajority vote for voters to approve constitutional amendments.

    Article XI of the Florida Constitution provides for amendments to the constitution.

    Initiative

    See also: Initiated constitutional amendment

    An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen (18) states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.

    In Florida, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 8% of the votes cast in the last presidential election. Proponents must obtain signatures equaling at least 8% of the district-wide vote in the most recent presidential election in at least half (14) of the state's 27 congressional districts. A 60% vote is required for voter approval. In 2006, voters passed an amendment for the 60% vote requirement.

    Legislature

    See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

    A 60% vote is required during one legislative session for the Florida State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 72 votes in the Florida House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Florida State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. Amendments on the ballot must be approved by 60% of voters to pass.

    Convention

    See also: Convention-referred constitutional amendment

    According to Section 4 of Article XI of the Florida Constitution, a constitutional convention can be called through an initiative petition. Proponents must collect signatures equal to 15% of the total number of votes cast in the last presidential election.

    Commission-referred constitutional amendments

    See also: Commission-referred ballot measure

    According to Article XI of the Florida Constitution, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The Constitution Revision Commission convenes every 20 years, beginning in 1977. The Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is also empowered to refer constitutional amendments related to taxation and the state budget to the ballot. The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission convenes every 20 years beginning in 2007. Florida is the only state with commissions empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot.

    2025 measures:

    See also: 2025 ballot measures

    Certified:

    The following measures were certified for the ballot.

    No measures to list


    2024 measures:

    Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2024 ballot by the legislature.

    See also: Florida 2024 ballot measures

    Certified:

    The following measures were certified for the ballot.
    Florida Amendment 1, Partisan School Board Elections AmendmentDemocratsRepublicans
    Senate:Required: 24Yes votes: 29 (72.50%)No votes: 11 (27.50%)Yes: 1; No: 11Yes: 28; No: 0
    House:Required: 72Yes votes: 79 (66.38%)No votes: 34 (28.57%)Yes: 0; No: 34Yes: 79; No: 0
    Florida Right to Hunt and Fish AmendmentDemocratsRepublicans
    Senate:Required: 24Yes votes: 38 (95.00%)No votes: 1 (2.50%)Yes: 10; No: 1Yes: 28; No: 0
    House:Required: 72Yes votes: 116 (97.47%)No votes: 0 (0.00%)Yes: 35; No: 0Yes: 81; No: 0
    Florida Annual Inflation Adjustment for Homestead Property Tax Exemption Value AmendmentDemocratsRepublicans
    Senate:Required: 24Yes votes: 25 (62.50%)No votes: 15 (37.50%)Yes: 0; No: 12Yes: 25; No: 3
    House:Required: 72Yes votes: 86 (71.67%)No votes: 29 (24.17%)Yes: 5; No: 29Yes: 81; No: 0
    Florida Repeal of Public Financing for Statewide Campaigns AmendmentDemocratsRepublicans
    Senate:Required: 24Yes votes: 28 (70.00%)No votes: 11 (27.50%)Yes: 1; No: 10Yes: 27; No: 1
    House:Required: 72Yes votes: 82 (68.33%)No votes: 29 (24.16%)Yes: 1; No: 29Yes: 81; No: 0

    See also

    Elections Florida State GovernmentState LegislaturesState Politics

    Florida State Senate (16)

    Florida State Senate (17)

    Florida State Senate (18)

    Florida State Senate (19)

    External links

    Footnotes

    1. Florida State Senate, "Senate Glossary," accessed February 11, 2021
    2. Florida State Senate, "Offices," accessed February 11, 2021
    3. Florida Constitution, "Article III, Section 15(d)," accessed November 22, 2016
    4. The Florida Senate, "Constitution of the State of Florida," accessed February 10, 2023
    5. Florida Department of State, "Election Dates," accessed July 21, 2017
    6. Florida Department of State, "Qualifying Information," accessed July 21, 2017
    7. Follow the Money, "Florida Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed April 23, 2015
    8. Follow the Money, "Florida 2008 Candidates," accessed July 12, 2013
    9. Follow the Money, "Florida 2006 Candidates," accessed July 12, 2013
    10. Follow the Money, "Florida 2004 Candidates," accessed July 12, 2013
    11. Follow the Money, "Florida 2002 Candidates," accessed July 12, 2013
    12. Follow the Money, "Florida 2000 Candidates," accessed July 12, 2013
    13. Florida State Legisature, "Florida Constitution," accessed February 11. 2021
    14. Florida Legislature, "2023 Florida Statutes," accessed January 23, 2024 (Statute 100.101(2), Florida Election Code)
    15. Florida Legislature, "2023 Florida Statutes," accessed January 23, 2024 (Statute 100.141 (1) (2), Florida Election Code)
    16. Florida Legislature, "2023 Florida Statutes," accessed January 23, 2024 (Statute 100.111 (1) (a-c), Florida Election Code)
    17. 17.0 17.1 All About Redistricting, "Florida," accessed April 22, 2015
    18. Florida Constitution, "Article III, Sections 20-21," accessed April 22, 2015
    19. Florida State Senate, "CS/SJR 100: Joint Resolution of Apportionment," accessed March 3, 2022
    20. Florida Politics, "Florida Legislature approves redistricting maps for Senate and House," February 3, 2022
    21. Florida Politics, "Ashley Moody petitions court on legislative maps as congressional redistricting continues to pitter," February 9, 2022
    22. Naples News, "Florida picks up 2 congressional seats, 2010 Census shows," December 21, 2010
    23. The Daily Loaf, "Fair Districts Florida makes it on 2010 ballot," January 22, 2010
    24. CBS Miami, "Florida House Approves New Senate Redistricting Plan," accessed April 22, 2015
    25. WJHJ, "Florida Supreme Court Justices Reject Senate Redistricting Plan," March 9, 2012
    26. Orlando Sentinel, "State congressional, legislative districts approved by Justice Department," April 30, 2012
    27. local10.com, "Florida redistricting plans get final passage," accessed April 22, 2015
    28. WFTV, "Florida Legislature announces 19-day special session," October 6, 2015
    29. Fort Myers News-Press, "SWFL front and center come 2015 legislative session," January 28, 2015
    30. gainesville.com, "Big issues loom in next legislative session," September 22, 2013
    31. Tampa Bay Times, "Florida Legislature 2014: What passed and what failed," May 3, 2014
    32. news-press.com, "State workers forgotten again in Florida budget," May 3, 2014
    33. bradenton.com, "Fla. legislators reach deal on spending items," April 28, 2014(Archived)
    34. Yahoo.com, "Florida legislature passes bill restricting drone use," April 17, 2013(Archived)
    35. boardroombrief.com, "Florida Legislature – 2013 session overview," May 17, 2013
    36. Stateline.org, "States balance budgets with cuts, not taxes," June 15, 2011(Archived)
    37. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    38. National Conference of State Legislatures, "The Veto Process," accessed June 22, 2017
    39. The Orlando Sentinel "Gov. Rick Scott's veto power: Tallahassee takeaways," May 18, 2017
    40. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," May 6, 2009
    41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    42. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
    43. State Budget Solutions, "Florida: Background," accessed January 14, 2021

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