Florida Senate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florida Senate |
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| 2018–2020 Florida Legislature | |
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| Type | |
| Type |
Upper house of the Florida Legislature
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Term limits
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2 terms (8 years) |
| History | |
| Founded | May 26, 1845 |
| Preceded by | Legislative Council of the Territory of Florida |
| Leadership | |
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President
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Bill Galvano (R)
Since Nov. 20, 2018 |
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President pro tempore
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David Simmons (R)
Since Nov. 20, 2018 |
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Majority Leader
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Kathleen Passidomo (R)
Since Nov. 26, 2018 |
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Minority Leader
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Audrey Gibson (D)
Since Nov. 19, 2018 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 40 |
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Political groups
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Majority
Minority
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Length of term
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4 years |
| Authority | Article III, Constitution of Florida |
| Salary | $29,697.00/year + per diem (Subsistence & Travel) |
| Elections | |
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Last election
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November 6, 2018 (22 seats) |
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Next election
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November 2, 2020 (21 seats) |
| Redistricting | Legislative control |
| Motto | |
| In God We Trust | |
| Meeting place | |
| Senate Chamber Florida Capitol Tallahassee, Florida |
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| Website | |
| Official website: http://www.flsenate.gov | |
The Florida Senate is an important part of the Florida Legislature. Think of it as one of the two main groups that make laws for the state of Florida. It is called the upper house. The other group is the Florida House of Representatives, which is the lower house.
The Senate has 40 members. Each member is chosen from a different area, called a single-member district. About 470,000 people live in each of these areas.
As of 2018, the Republicans have more members in the Senate. They hold 23 seats. The Democrats have 17 seats.
Contents
What is the Florida Senate?
The Florida Senate is a group of elected officials. Their main job is to create and approve laws. These laws affect everyone living in Florida. They also help decide how the state's money is spent.
How the Senate Works
The Florida Senate works together with the Florida House of Representatives. Both groups must agree on a bill for it to become a law. This system helps make sure laws are carefully thought out.
Members and Elections
There are 40 members in the Florida Senate. Each member serves for four years. They can serve a maximum of two terms, which is eight years in total. This limit helps bring new ideas to the Senate.
Senators are elected by the people in their districts. Elections happen every two or four years. This allows citizens to choose who represents them.
Leaders of the Senate
The Senate has several important leaders. The main leader is the President. This person guides meetings and helps manage the Senate's work. Other leaders include the President pro tempore, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader.
- The President is chosen by the senators.
- The Majority Leader represents the party with the most members.
- The Minority Leader represents the party with fewer members.
These leaders help their parties work together. They also make sure everyone's voice is heard.
History of the Florida Senate
The Florida Senate started a long time ago. It was officially created on May 26, 1845. Before that, Florida had a different law-making group. It was called the Legislative Council of the Territory of Florida.
The Senate's motto is In God We Trust. This motto is also on Florida's state seal.
Where the Senate Meets
The Florida Senate meets in the Florida State Capitol building. This building is located in Tallahassee, Florida. The senators meet in a special room called the Senate Chamber.
How Laws Are Made
Senators propose ideas for new laws. These ideas are called bills. Bills are discussed and voted on. If a bill passes in the Senate, it goes to the House. If both agree, it goes to the Governor. The Governor can sign it into law or veto it.
See also
In Spanish: Senado de Florida para niños
