The Florida Legislature, which is divided into two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives, makes “rules” or laws that govern our state. Members of the legislature, Senators and Representatives, are chosen by the citizens of Florida to represent them and the area where they live. These areas are called districts. Each member of the Florida Legislature must live in the district that he or she represents. Each Senator and Representative is responsible for making sure that the people who elected him or her have a voice in all matters concerning the state.
Senators are elected to serve four-year terms. Representatives are elected to serve two-year terms. Currently, 40 Senators and 120 members of the House of Representatives serve the people of Florida. Members of both houses must be at least 21 years old, a resident of the district where they have been elected, and must have lived in the state for two years before running for election.
Charlie Crist Governor of Florida |
Jeff Kottkamp Lt. Governor |
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The supreme executive power shall be vested in a governor, who shall be commander-in-chief of all military forces of the state not in active service of the United States. The governor shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, commission all officers of the state and counties, and transact all necessary business with the officers of government. |
There shall be a lieutenant governor, who shall perform such duties pertaining to the office of governor as shall be assigned by the governor, except when otherwise provided by law, and such other duties as may be prescribed by law. |
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| Legislative Leaders |
Ken Pruitt
Senate President |
Marco Rubio
House Speaker |
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The President of the Senate presides over the Senate, and the Speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives. The President and Speaker have many other responsibilities in addition to presiding over the chamber during session, including: |
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Lisa Carlton
Senate President
Pro Tempore |
Marsha L. "Marty" Bowen
House Speaker
Pro Tempore |
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The roles of the President Pro Tempore and Speaker Pro Tempore are defined by the President or Speaker and the Senate or House Rules. Although they may preside in the chamber during the absence of the President or Speaker, a different senator or representative could also be chosen to preside. |
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Non-Member Officers |
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Faye W. Blanton
Secretary of the Senate |
William "Bo" Pittman III
Chief Clerk of the House |
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The Senate elects a Secretary of the Senate and the House appoints a Chief Clerk of the House. These non-member constitutional officers have various responsibilities including:
- Recording events of the session.
- Keeping the records of their respective houses.
- Authenticating each bill passed by the legislature.
- Publishing the journals and calendars of their respective houses.
When the legislature is in session, each day’s official actions are recorded and published in the journal. |
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Sergeant of Arms |
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Donald Severance
Senate Sergeant at Arms |
Earnest Sumner
House Sergeant at Arms |
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Each chamber has a Sergeant at Arms who is in charge of maintaining order in the chamber, gallery, and in committee rooms. Each sergeant also maintains that house’s property. |
Florida Leaders
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