Florida Constitution ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE
Florida Constitution – Article IV: Executive
📘 Overview:
Article IV of the Florida Constitution establishes the Executive Branch of Florida’s state government. It outlines the roles, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other executive officers.
🔍 Section-by-Section Summary:
Section 1 – Governor
The Governor is the chief executive officer of the state.
Responsible for:
Ensuring laws are faithfully executed
Making budget recommendations
Serving as commander-in-chief of the state militia
Elected for a 4-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
Section 2 – Lieutenant Governor
Elected jointly with the Governor.
Succeeds the Governor in case of death, resignation, or removal.
Performs duties assigned by the Governor.
Section 3 – Succession to Office of Governor
If the Governor’s office becomes vacant, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor.
If both are unavailable, succession follows a line of executive officers, as provided by law.
Section 4 – Cabinet
The Cabinet includes:
Attorney General
Chief Financial Officer
Commissioner of Agriculture
These officials are elected independently of the Governor.
In certain matters, the Governor and Cabinet act as a collective decision-making body (e.g., clemency, land use).
Section 5 – Election of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Cabinet Members
Elected in even-numbered years not divisible by four (e.g., 2022, 2026).
Elections are by popular vote.
Section 6 – Militia
The Governor serves as commander-in-chief of Florida’s militia (National Guard), except when under federal command.
Section 7 – Suspensions; Filling Office
The Governor may suspend certain elected officials (e.g., sheriffs, mayors) for:
Malfeasance
Misfeasance
Neglect of duty
Drunkenness
Incompetence
Permanent inability to perform duties
Suspended officials may be removed or reinstated by the Senate.
Section 8 – Clemency
The Governor may grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment.
Must act with the approval of the Cabinet, acting as the Clemency Board.
Section 9 – Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
A constitutionally created body independent of the executive branch but mentioned here for administrative alignment.
Manages fish, wildlife, and marine resources.
Section 10 – Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The state must provide a department to support military veterans.
Section 11 – Department of Elder Affairs
A constitutionally required department to focus on services for elderly Floridians.
✅ Key Takeaways:
Florida’s executive power is divided between the Governor and independently elected Cabinet officials.
The Governor has strong administrative and military authority, but some decisions (like clemency) require Cabinet approval.
The Constitution provides for succession, suspension, clemency, and dedicated departments for veterans and elders.
RELATED Blog
0 comments