How to testify before the Florida legislature

The mechanics of testifying are in the general guide. This page covers what is specific to Florida.

How Florida does it

Florida requires in-person appearance to testify before a Senate or House committee. Neither chamber currently offers remote or virtual testimony as a standing option. To speak, fill out an Appearance Record (Senate) or Meeting Appearance Request (House) and hand it to committee staff before or during the meeting. The Senate form cannot be submitted electronically. The House offers an online interactive version that must still be printed and delivered in two copies to the Committee Administrative Assistant at the meeting, or a paper copy can be completed on site.

Deadlines and numbers

There is no fixed statewide sign-up deadline before a hearing. Cards are generally accepted up until the chair closes public testimony on an agenda item, so arriving before or at the start of the meeting is the safe practice. Per-speaker time is not set by statute. It is set by the committee chair the day of the hearing, commonly 1 minute or less, sometimes reduced to 30 seconds when many people have signed up.

Where to go

Senate: flsenate.gov, "Effective Communication With a Legislator" page and the Committees section for the appearance form and meeting notices. House: myfloridahouse.gov, Meeting Appearance Request page, and flhouse.gov's House Schedule page for committee and floor calendars.