
The Florida Constitution provides for an executive, legislative, and judicial branch, mandating a separation of powers. The governor of Florida is the chief executive and administrative officer of the state, with the power to execute Florida's laws and call on the state militia to preserve the peace. The governor is also the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces when they are not in active service of the United States. This raises the question of the extent of the executive branch's power over the military, particularly during wartime, and whether the Florida Constitution grants the governor absolute authority in this area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Powers of the state government | Divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches |
| Governor | Commander-in-chief of all military forces of the state not in active service of the United States |
| Lieutenant Governor | N/A |
| Florida Cabinet | Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Chief Financial Officer |
| Executive Departments | Not more than 25 departments |
| Governor's Power | Execute Florida's laws and call out the state militia to preserve public peace |
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What You'll Learn
- The governor is commander-in-chief of the state's military forces not in active US service
- The governor can call out the state militia to preserve peace
- The governor heads Florida's executive branch
- The governor is the state's chief executive and administrative officer
- The Florida Constitution allows for a separation of powers across its branches of government

The governor is commander-in-chief of the state's military forces not in active US service
The Florida Constitution divides the state government into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. It also mandates a separation of powers, prohibiting any one branch from encroaching on the powers held by another.
The executive branch of the Florida government consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, Florida Cabinet, and several executive departments. The governor is the supreme executive power and is responsible for planning and budgeting for the state. They also have the power to execute Florida's laws and call on the state militia to preserve the public peace.
As commander-in-chief of the state's military forces not in active service of the United States, the governor has the authority to make decisions regarding the deployment and use of those forces within the state. This power is typically exercised during states of emergency, civil disturbances, or natural disasters when additional security measures are necessary to maintain peace and order.
The governor's role as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces not in active federal service allows them to coordinate and direct these forces to assist in emergency response, enforce laws, and protect the citizens of Florida. This authority ensures a swift and efficient response to state-level emergencies and complements the role of the National Guard, which falls under federal jurisdiction when activated.
The governor's power as commander-in-chief is an important aspect of Florida's executive branch, providing the state with a leader who can mobilize and direct military resources for the safety and security of its citizens when needed.
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The governor can call out the state militia to preserve peace
The Florida Constitution provides for an executive, legislative, and judicial branch, with a clear separation of powers between the three. The powers of the state government are divided into these three distinct branches, and no person belonging to one branch may exercise any powers belonging to another.
The executive branch of the Florida government consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Florida Cabinet, which includes the attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, and chief financial officer. The governor of Florida is the supreme executive and is responsible for planning and budgeting for the state. They are also the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces that are not in active service of the United States. As such, the governor has the power to call out the state militia to preserve public peace.
The governor's power to call out the state militia is an important tool to maintain law and order in Florida. It allows the governor to take charge of situations that may require a swift and decisive response, such as civil unrest, natural disasters, or other emergencies. By activating the state militia, the governor can ensure that additional personnel, resources, and authority are available to address the situation effectively.
The state militia, also known as the National Guard, typically consists of trained civilian volunteers who are tasked with supporting and protecting their communities during times of need. They receive military-style training and are often called upon to assist local law enforcement in maintaining peace and order. The governor's authority to deploy the state militia ensures a coordinated response to potential threats and enhances the state's ability to protect its citizens.
It is important to note that the governor's power to call out the state militia is not without limits. As Florida's constitution mandates a clear separation of powers, the governor's authority over the militia is balanced by the checks and influences of the other branches of government. This ensures that the governor's powers are exercised within the boundaries set by the state's constitution and laws, preserving the democratic principles of Florida's governance.
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The governor heads Florida's executive branch
The Florida Constitution provides for an executive, legislative, and judicial branch, with a mandated separation of powers. The governor of Florida is the head of the executive branch and is the state's chief executive and administrative officer. The governor is responsible for planning and budgeting for the state and serves as the chair when the governor and the Florida Cabinet sit as a decision-making body in various constitutional roles.
The governor holds supreme executive power and is the commander-in-chief of all military forces of the state not in active service of the United States. This includes the power to call out the state militia to preserve the public peace. The governor is required to deliver the "State of the State Address" to the Florida Legislature at least once every legislative session, providing an update on the condition of the state.
The executive branch also includes the lieutenant governor and the Florida Cabinet, which consists of the attorney general, the commissioner of agriculture, and the chief financial officer. The Florida Constitution allows for up to 25 executive departments, exclusive of those specifically provided for or authorized in the constitution.
The governor's power is checked by the legislative and judicial branches, with the Florida Constitution prohibiting any one branch from encroaching on the powers held by another. The Florida Supreme Court has interpreted the "separation of powers" requirement to uphold this division of powers.
The Florida Constitution has been amended several times since its ratification in 1968, with notable changes including the creation of a unified state courts system and the implementation of term limits for executive office holders.
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The governor is the state's chief executive and administrative officer
The Florida Constitution divides the state government into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The governor is the head of the executive branch and is the state's chief executive and administrative officer. The governor is responsible for planning and budgeting for the state and serves as the chair when the governor and the Florida Cabinet sit as a decision-making body in various constitutional roles.
The governor holds the supreme executive power and is the commander-in-chief of all military forces of the state not in active service of the United States. This means that the governor has the authority to call out the state militia to preserve public peace. The governor's power is, however, limited by the Florida Constitution's mandate for a separation of powers, which prohibits encroachment by one branch on the powers held by another.
The executive branch of the Florida government also includes the lieutenant governor, the Florida Cabinet, and several executive departments. The Florida Cabinet is composed of the attorney general, the commissioner of agriculture, and the chief financial officer. The attorney general is the state's chief legal officer and head of the Florida Department of Legal Affairs. They are responsible for appointing a statewide prosecutor to handle violations of criminal law in multiple judicial circuits. The commissioner of agriculture heads the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, while the chief financial officer is in charge of the Florida Department of Financial Services.
The executive branch's role in Florida's governance is crucial, and the governor's powers and responsibilities as the state's chief executive and administrative officer are extensive. The governor's role extends beyond the military to encompass various aspects of the state's administration and governance.
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The Florida Constitution allows for a separation of powers across its branches of government
The Florida Constitution establishes and describes the powers, duties, structure, and function of the government of the state of Florida. It also establishes the basic law of the state. Florida has been governed by six different constitutions since it became a part of the United States. The current Constitution of Florida was ratified on November 5, 1968, and has been modified several times since.
The Florida Constitution provides for a separation of powers across its branches of government. The powers of the state government are divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. No person belonging to one branch is allowed to exercise any powers belonging to either of the other branches unless expressly provided for in the Constitution. The Florida Supreme Court has interpreted the "separation of powers" requirement to prohibit any encroachment by any one branch on the powers held by another and delegation by any branch of its powers.
The executive power of the state is vested in the governor, who is also the commander-in-chief of all military forces of the state not in active service of the United States. The governor's term was changed from four years to two years starting in October 1865, although this change never came into effect due to the Confederacy's defeat. The governor's powers have been subject to several other changes throughout Florida's constitutional history, including the removal of the requirement that the governor be a citizen of the United States for ten years prior to their election.
The legislative branch of the Florida government is a bicameral body, with an upper house of no more than 40 members elected to four-year terms, and a lower house of no more than 120 members elected to two-year terms. The legislature has the power to pass laws, which must be read in each house on three separate days unless this rule is waived by a two-thirds vote.
The judicial branch of the Florida government is comprised of the Florida Supreme Court and other courts established by the legislature. The Florida Supreme Court has played a significant role in preserving the separation of powers between the branches of government, as seen in cases such as State ex rel. Atlantic Coast Line Railway Co. v. State Board of Equalizers in 1922.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Florida Constitution gives the governor—who is part of the executive branch—power over the state's military forces that are not in active service of the United States.
Florida's government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The President of the United States is the commander-in-chief of the military forces in active service.

























