Florida Constitution ARTICLE III LEGISLATURE
Florida Constitution – Article III: Legislature
Overview:
Article III of the Florida Constitution establishes the Legislative Branch of the State of Florida. It sets forth the structure, powers, procedures, limitations, and responsibilities of the Florida Legislature, which is composed of the Senate and House of Representatives.
🔹 Structure & Membership
Section 1 – Composition
Legislative power is vested in a bicameral legislature:
Senate
House of Representatives
Section 2 – Members; Terms
Senators: Serve 4-year terms
Representatives: Serve 2-year terms
Term limits: No more than 8 consecutive years in office for either chamber.
Section 3 – Sessions of the Legislature
Regular sessions begin on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March.
Special sessions can be called by the Governor or by a joint proclamation of legislative leaders.
Organizational sessions are held after general elections.
Section 4 – Quorum and Procedure
A quorum in either house requires a majority.
Each house determines its own rules of procedure.
Section 5 – Records
The Legislature must maintain public records of all proceedings, including votes.
Section 6 – Officers
Each house selects its own presiding officer (Senate: President; House: Speaker) and staff.
🔹 Legislative Process
Section 7 – Bills
Laws must be passed by bill, introduced in either chamber.
Bills must undergo three readings on separate days before final passage.
Section 8 – Laws
Laws must address only one subject, clearly stated in the title.
No law shall be passed that is vague or ambiguous.
Section 9 – Appropriations Bills
Appropriations bills must be passed to fund state government.
May not contain irrelevant subjects.
Section 10 – Enacting Clause
All laws must begin with:
“Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:”
🔹 Governor's Role
Section 8(c) – Governor’s Veto
The Governor may veto any bill or part of a bill.
The Legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.
🔹 Legislative Oversight and Ethics
Section 12 – Impeachment
The House of Representatives may impeach officers.
The Senate conducts the trial and may convict by two-thirds vote.
Section 13 – Ethics and Disclosures
Legislators must disclose financial interests and avoid conflicts of interest.
Section 18 – Conflict of Interest
Legislators may not vote on matters in which they have a direct personal or financial interest.
🔹 Redistricting and Apportionment
Sections 16–17 – Apportionment
Every 10 years, the Legislature must draw district lines for both chambers.
Plans are subject to Florida Supreme Court review.
If the Legislature fails, the Governor calls a special session, or the Supreme Court may adopt a plan.
🔹 Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 11 – Prohibited Special Laws
Prohibits special laws unless notice is published or a local referendum is held.
Ensures uniform application of laws statewide.
Section 19 – State Budgeting
Requires long-range financial planning and budgeting.
Legislature must adopt a balanced budget each year.
✅ Summary of Article III:
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Legislative Body | Senate and House of Representatives |
| Sessions | Annual regular sessions, plus special and organizational sessions |
| Terms | Senators (4 yrs), Representatives (2 yrs); 8-year term limits |
| Lawmaking Process | Bills must go through readings, voting, and Governor’s approval or veto |
| Ethics | Financial disclosures, conflict of interest rules |
| Redistricting | Every 10 years, with court oversight |
| Budgeting | Balanced budget required, appropriations laws governed by special rules |
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