Who is the Lieutenant Governor of Florida?
The Lieutenant Governor of Florida is the second-highest executive office in the state of Florida, beneath the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the Governor’s deputy and assumes the office of the Governor if the Governor is unable to perform their duties. As of 2022, the Lieutenant Governor of Florida is Jeannette Nuñez.
History of the Office
The office of the Lieutenant Governor was established in 1838, during the administration of Governor William D. Bloxham. Initially, the Lieutenant Governor was elected separately from the Governor, but this changed in 1968 when the Florida Constitution was amended to require the Lieutenant Governor to run on the same ticket as the Governor.
Responsibilities and Duties
As the second-highest executive office, the Lieutenant Governor’s duties are varied and far-reaching. Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Presiding over the Florida Senate: As the President of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor has the power to cast tie-breaking votes, preside over debates, and maintain order in the Senate chamber.
- Succession: In the event the Governor is unable to perform their duties, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the office of the Governor.
- Public Safety: The Lieutenant Governor serves as the State’s Director of Emergency Management and is responsible for overseeing disaster response and recovery efforts.
- Economic Development: The Lieutenant Governor plays a key role in promoting and developing the state’s economy, including attracting new businesses and industries to Florida.
List of Lieutenant Governors of Florida
Here is a list of the Lieutenant Governors of Florida since 1838:
| Lieutenant Governor | Term |
|---|---|
| Richard K. Call | 1838-1841 |
| Willian D. Bloxham | 1845-1849 |
| David S. Walker | 1853-1857 |
| Madison S. Perry | 1857-1861 |
| Henry L. Mitchell | 1865-1869 |
| William J. Purman | 1869-1873 |
| Samuel T. Johns | 1877-1881 |
| William D. Bloxham | 1885-1889 |
| Albert W. Gilchrist | 1893-1897 |
| Richard H. Parrott | 1901-1905 |
| Park Trammell | 1913-1917 |
| Cary A. Cooper | 1921-1925 |
| Andrew C. McCarty | 1929-1933 |
| Edward C. Moore | 1937-1941 |
| Fred P. Cone | 1941-1945 |
| Absalom Logan | 1945-1949 |
| Charley Eugene Johns | 1953-1957 |
| Ernest Robert Graham | 1957-1961 |
| Ray C. Bowman | 1961-1965 |
| Willie Logan | 1965-1969 |
| Tom Adams | 1971-1974 |
| Jim Williams | 1975-1979 |
| Wayne Mixson | 1987-1991 |
| Frank Brogan | 1999-2003 |
| Toni Jennings | 2003-2007 |
| Jennifer Carroll | 2011-2013 |
| Carlos López-Cantera | 2014-2019 |
| Jeanette Nuñez | 2019-present |
In the News
In 2020, Lieutenant Governor Nuñez made headlines when she became the first Latina to hold the office in Florida’s history. Prior to her election, Nuñez served in the Florida House of Representatives and was a strong advocate for education and healthcare reform.
Conclusion
The Lieutenant Governor of Florida is a vital part of the state’s executive branch, serving as the Governor’s deputy and assuming the office of the Governor if needed. With a rich history dating back to 1838, the office has been held by many notable individuals who have played a significant role in shaping the state’s politics and policies. As of 2022, Lieutenant Governor Jeannette Nuñez is leading the charge, continuing to serve the people of Florida with dedication and enthusiasm.
