Florida House of Representatives

The Florida House of Representatives, one of the two Chambers of the Florida Legislature, is composed of 120 members, each representing a district.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Representatives are elected to two-year terms during even-numbered years. A representative must be at least 21 years of age, must be a resident of the district in which he or she will serve, and must be a resident of Florida for at least two years before being qualified to run for election. Representatives are limited to four terms.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Florida Legislature meets every year in a session beginning on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March and lasting 60 calendar days. Special sessions may be called either by the Governor or by the leaders of both chambers acting jointly.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Speaker of the House is elected by his or her fellow representatives for a two-year term. He or she has the power to preside over the chamber during a session, to appoint committee members and chairs of committees, to influence the placement of bills on the calendar, and to rule on procedural motions. The Speaker pro tempore presides if the Speaker leaves the Chair or if there is a vacancy.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~