Governor of Florida | |
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since January 8, 2019 | |
Government of Florida | |
Style |
|
Type | Head of state Head of government |
Member of | Florida Executive Branch Florida Cabinet |
Residence | Florida Governor's Mansion |
Appointer | Popular vote |
Term length | Four years, renewable once consecutively |
Constituting instrument | Constitution of Florida |
Precursor | Governor of the Florida Territory |
Inaugural holder | William Dunn Moseley |
Formation | June 25, 1845 |
Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of Florida |
Salary | $130,273 (2013)[1] |
Website | www |
The governor of Florida is the head of government of the U.S. state of Florida and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.[2] The governor has a duty to enforce state laws and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Florida Legislature,[3] to convene the legislature[4] and grant pardons, except in cases of impeachment.[5]
When Florida was first acquired by the United States, future president Andrew Jackson served as its military governor. Florida Territory was established in 1822 and five people served as governor over 6 distinct terms. The first territorial governor, William Pope Duval, served 12 years, the longest of any Florida governor to date.
Since statehood in 1845, there have been 45 people who have served as governor, one of whom served two distinct terms. Four state governors have served two full four-year terms: William D. Bloxham, in two stints, as well as Reubin Askew, Jeb Bush and Rick Scott who each served their terms consecutively. Bob Graham almost served two full terms but resigned with three days left in his term in order to take a seat in the United States Senate.[6] The shortest term in office belongs to Wayne Mixson, who served three days following Graham's resignation.
The current officeholder is Ron DeSantis, a member of the Republican Party who took office on January 8, 2019.