Omar Bennett
The Florida Constitution is the document that outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. Florida has had six constitutions since 1812, with the current version being ratified on November 5, 1968, and amended several times since. This version consists of 12 articles and has been amended 146 times as of 2024. The size and complexity of the Florida Constitution reflect the state's evolving needs and priorities, with each amendment ensuring that the document remains relevant and adaptable to the changing times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Constitutions | 6 |
| Current Constitution Ratified | November 5, 1968 |
| Number of Amendments | 146 |
| Number of Articles | 12 |
| Number of Sections in the Florida Declaration of Rights | 27 |
| Number of Signatures Required for an Initiated Constitutional Amendment | 8% of votes cast in the last presidential election |
| Voter Approval Required | 60% |
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What You'll Learn
Florida's statehood requirements
Florida has been governed by six different constitutions since it became a state. The current Constitution of Florida was ratified on November 5, 1968, and has been modified several times since. Florida's first constitution as a US territory was written and implemented in 1838. On March 3, 1845, Florida was admitted to the Union as the 27th state.
One of the requirements for Florida to become a state was that its constitution must be approved by the United States Congress. In order to fulfill that requirement, an act was passed by the Florida Territorial Council in 1838, approved by Governor Richard Keith Call, calling for the election of delegates in October 1838 to a convention to be held at St. Joseph, Florida. The delegates were to draft a constitution and bill of rights for the Territory of Florida. The Constitutional Convention convened on December 3, 1838, with Robert R. Reid presiding as president and Joshua Knowles as secretary. The work of the convention was carried out by eighteen committees, whose members were familiar with that particular area of government. The Convention adjourned sine die on January 11, 1839.
A handwritten copy of the 1838 Constitution or "Form of Government for the People of Florida", signed by Convention president Robert Raymond Reid and Convention secretary Joshua Knowles, is the only known copy of the 1838 Constitution. The original Constitution, signed by all the delegates, has never been found.
The Constitution of the State of Florida establishes and describes the powers, duties, structure, and function of the government of the state of Florida, and establishes the basic law of the state. It includes sections on political power, basic rights, religious freedom, freedom of speech and the press, the right to assemble, the right to work, military power, the right to bear arms, due process, prohibited laws, and imprisonment for debt.
The 1968 Constitution also included provisions for the conservation and protection of Florida's natural resources and scenic beauty, such as the Everglades.
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The 1838 Constitution
Florida has been governed by six different constitutions since it became a state. Florida's first constitution as a U.S. territory was written and implemented in 1838.
The original copy of the 1838 Constitution, signed by all the delegates, has never been found. The only known copy is considered a "secretary's copy", signed by Convention president Robert Raymond Reid and Convention secretary Joshua Knowles. This copy resides at the State Archives of Florida.
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Amendments and revisions
Florida has had six constitutions, written and adopted in 1812, 1838, 1861, 1868, 1885, and 1968. The current constitution, which was ratified on November 5, 1968, has been amended 146 times. The Florida Constitution can be amended with a legislative, citizen-initiated, or convention-referred constitutional amendment. Citizen-initiated amendments require signatures from at least 8% of the district-wide vote in at least half (14) of the state's 27 congressional districts, and 60% voter approval. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
The 1861 Constitution made several changes related to Florida's secession from the United States, such as substituting "Confederate States" for "United States", removing the requirement that the governor be a citizen of the United States for ten years prior to their election, and declaring Florida "a sovereign and independent nation". The governor's term was also changed from four years to two years.
The 1968 Constitution was revised through three joint resolutions, which were adopted during a special session held between June 24 and July 3, 1968. The proposed articles constituted the entire revised constitution, with the exception of Articles V, VI, and VIII. Article V, relating to the judiciary, was carried forward from the Constitution of 1885, as amended.
The Florida Constitution has been amended numerous times since its ratification in 1968. For example, in 1990, a restriction was added stating that holders of a concealed weapon permit would not be subject to the provisions of a paragraph regarding the transfer of handguns. In 2006, voters passed an amendment requiring a 60% vote for voter approval.
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The 1968 Constitution
The current Constitution of Florida, also known as The 1968 Constitution, was ratified on November 5, 1968, and has been modified several times since. It is the sixth constitution of the state and was preceded by the Spanish Constitution of 1812, which was briefly enacted in Florida, and the 1838 Constitution, which was drafted when Florida was granted admission into the Union as the 27th state. The 1838 Constitution was drafted by delegates elected for this purpose and was signed by Convention president Robert Raymond Reid and Convention secretary Joshua Knowles. The original copy of the 1838 Constitution, signed by all the delegates, has never been found.
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The role of the governor
The Florida Constitution is the document that outlines the state's framework for governance, detailing the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as individual and civil rights. The current version, ratified in 1968, is the state's sixth constitution and consists of 12 articles.
The Florida Constitution establishes the role of the governor, who is the state's chief executive and head of the executive branch of government. The governor is responsible for ensuring that the laws of the state are faithfully executed and has the power to either approve or veto laws passed by the state legislature. Additionally, the governor has the authority to grant pardons, except in cases of impeachment.
The governor plays a crucial role in the state's legislative process. They have the power to propose legislation and influence the agenda of the state legislature. While the governor cannot directly introduce bills, they can request that the legislature consider specific measures. The governor also has the authority to call special sessions of the legislature and can even prorogue (discontinue) a session if they deem it necessary.
In terms of the state's administrative structure, the governor is responsible for appointing a significant number of officials, including judges, members of state boards and commissions, and various department heads. The governor also has the power to fill vacancies in elected offices, subject to certain restrictions.
The governor serves as the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces, including the National Guard when it is not in federal service. They have the authority to call out the militia to preserve the peace, execute the laws, and repel invasion.
Additionally, the governor represents the state in its dealings with the federal government and other states. They are responsible for ensuring that the state complies with federal laws and regulations and can negotiate with federal agencies on behalf of the state. The governor also plays a key role in interstate relations, including negotiating agreements and resolving disputes.
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Frequently asked questions
I cannot find information on the number of pages of the Florida Constitution. However, it has been amended 146 times and consists of 12 articles.
The Florida Constitution has been amended 146 times. The most recent amendments were approved by voters on November 5, 2024.
The Florida Constitution has at least 11 sections, including sections on Political Power, Basic Rights, Religious Freedom, Freedom of Speech and Press, Right to Assemble, Right to Work, Military Power, Right to Bear Arms, Due Process, Prohibited Laws, and Imprisonment for Debt.
