The Florida legislature: how it works
What your state legislature controls covers the general powers. This page profiles Florida's legislature.
The basics
Florida's legislature is bicameral: a 120-member House of Representatives serving 2-year terms, and a 40-member Senate serving 4-year terms. The National Conference of State Legislatures classifies it as a hybrid legislature, meaning lawmakers spend roughly three-quarters of a full-time job on the role and typically need outside income. Members face an 8-year consecutive term limit per chamber under the state constitution. The clock resets after a break in service, so a termed-out House member can immediately run for the Senate or vice versa. The 2026 regular session convened January 13 and was scheduled to adjourn March 13, a 60-day session, followed by a special session held April 20 to 24. Base legislator salary is $29,697 a year, unchanged since 2010, plus up to $163 per diem during session days.
Who controls it now
Florida has a Republican trifecta. Republicans hold an 85-35 majority in the House and a 28-12 majority in the Senate, veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers.
Where to go
- Florida Senate session information: https://www.flsenate.gov/session
- Florida House schedule: https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/HouseSchedule