Who is Florida’s Lieutenant Governor?
As the third-most populous state in the United States, Florida has a complex system of government with a strong executive branch headed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. But who is Florida’s Lieutenant Governor?
Who is the Lieutenant Governor?
The Lieutenant Governor of Florida is the second-highest-ranking official in the state government. The Lieutenant Governor is elected alongside the Governor in statewide elections, and serves a four-year term. The Lieutenant Governor’s primary responsibilities include supporting the Governor in their duties, presiding over the Florida Senate, and taking over as Acting Governor in the event of the Governor’s absence, incapacitation, or resignation.
The Current Lieutenant Governor
As of 2022, the Lieutenant Governor of Florida is Jeannette Nuñez. Nuñez, a Republican, was first elected in 2018 alongside Governor Ron DeSantis. She is the first Hispanic woman to hold the office of Lieutenant Governor in Florida.
The History of the Office
The office of Lieutenant Governor in Florida was established in 1839, when the state adopted its current constitution. The first Lieutenant Governor was Richard Call, who served from 1839 to 1844. Prior to 1839, the state was governed by a council of nine men, known as the Governor and Council.
Duties and Responsibilities
As mentioned earlier, the Lieutenant Governor’s primary responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Governor: The Lieutenant Governor serves as the Governor’s right-hand person, advising them on matters of state and helping to implement their policy agenda.
- Presiding over the Florida Senate: As President of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor has the power to break ties and cast deciding votes in the event of a deadlock.
- Acting Governor: In the event of the Governor’s absence, incapacitation, or resignation, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Acting Governor, with the power to veto legislation and appoint state officials.
Other Responsibilities
In addition to these core duties, the Lieutenant Governor is also responsible for:
- Appointing state officials: The Lieutenant Governor appoints the members of the Florida Board of Education, the State University System, and the Department of Transportation.
- Representing the state: The Lieutenant Governor serves as the official representative of the state at various events and ceremonies, both in Florida and nationally.
- Advocating for issues: The Lieutenant Governor may take the lead on specific issues, such as healthcare, education, or the environment, and advocate for policy changes to address these concerns.
Table: Lieutenant Governors of Florida (1839-Present)
| Lieutenant Governor | Term | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Call | 1839-1844 | Democratic |
| Robert Gardner | 1844-1845 | Whig |
| William Dunn Moseley | 1845-1849 | Democratic |
| Thomas Brown | 1849-1853 | Whig |
| … | … | … |
| Carlos López-Cantera | 2014-2017 | Republican |
| Jeannette Nuñez | 2019-present | Republican |
Key Statistics
- Total number of Lieutenant Governors: 26
- Longest-serving Lieutenant Governor: Alexander G. Gnagy (1881-1885, 7 years)
- Shortest-serving Lieutenant Governor: John P. Clark (1841-1842, 6 months)
- Average length of service: 4.5 years
Conclusion
The Lieutenant Governor of Florida plays a vital role in the state’s government, supporting the Governor, presiding over the Senate, and taking on a range of responsibilities. As the second-highest-ranking official in the state, the Lieutenant Governor is an important part of the state’s executive branch. In this article, we’ve explored the history of the office, the current Lieutenant Governor’s responsibilities, and some key statistics about the office.
