All registered voters in the state of Florida can cast a ballot for governor.
The Governor of Florida serves as the chief executive officer responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the state.
Florida’s Constitution establishes a system with a weak governorship structure, which means the governor shares executive powers with three independently elected Cabinet officers.
The governor appoints department heads, both for those under the sole oversight of the governor and those under joint oversight with the Cabinet, requiring majority approval.
Through executive orders, the governor has the authority to suspend state or county elected officials.
The governor can fill vacancies in office through appointments.
The governor can’t suspend the lieutenant governor, Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, appellate judges, or circuit court judges, who can only be removed through legislative impeachment.
Candidates for governor select the Lieutenant Governor as a running mate, and they are elected together on the same ticket.
Florida’s Executive Branch comprises the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Cabinet, which includes the Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Agriculture.
The Governor of Florida has both executive and legislative responsibilities. Here are some of the key duties:
Chief Executive Officer: The Governor is the chief executive officer of the state and is responsible for ensuring the faithful execution of the laws. They have the authority to oversee the various state agencies and departments, implementing policies and managing the state government.
Budgetary Powers: The Governor is involved in the state budgetary process. They can propose a budget to the state legislature and have the power to veto specific budget items.
Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard: The Governor serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Florida National Guard, giving them the authority to deploy the Guard in times of emergency or for state-related missions.
Legislative Powers: The Governor has a role in the legislative process. They can propose legislation and call special sessions of the legislature. The Governor can sign bills into law, veto them, or allow them to become law without a signature.
Appointments: The Governor has the power to appoint individuals to various state boards and commissions, as well as to fill certain vacancies in state offices.
Clemency and Pardons: The Governor has the authority to grant clemency, including pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences.
Emergency Powers: In times of emergency, the Governor has broad powers to take actions necessary to protect the public. This includes declaring a state of emergency and mobilizing resources.
Ron DeSantis serves as the 46th governor of Florida. He previously served as the US Congressperson from Florida's 6th Congressional District, which is in the eastern part of the state, to the south of Jacksonville. DeSantis ran in the 2024 Republican primary for President but was ultimately defeated by incumbent President Donald Trump.
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