Laws in Florida are proposed, as defined in the Florida Constitution, by the Legislative Branch of Government. The Legislators in the Senate propose bills which then go to the house of representatives. If passed by both houses, then approved by the Governor, the bill will become law in most cases. An exception would be if the law has to be approved by the federal government.
Constitution of the State of Florida
Every state has its own constitution to establish the structure, powers and duties of the government in the state. Florida’s first constitution was first written and implemented in 1838. We are now on Florida’s 6th, which was revised in 1968 and has subsequently been amended. The constitution is reviewed every twenty years to determine whether or not revisions should be made by the legislature.
PREAMBLE
We, the people of the State of Florida, being grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, in order to secure its benefits, perfect our government, insure domestic tranquility, maintain public order, and guarantee equal civil and political rights to all, do ordain and establish this constitution.
Website: Constitution of the State of Florida
Florida Statutes
Florida State Statutes are the official laws of the state of Florida. They are organized into titles, chapters, parts and sections, covering a wide range of legal topics.
Organization: The Florida Statutes are organized into titles, chapters, and sections. Titles are broad subject areas, such as “Title I – Construction of Statutes” or “Title XLVII – Criminal Procedure and Corrections.” Each title is further divided into chapters, which focus on specific areas of law. Chapters are then subdivided into sections that address particular provisions or requirements.
Legislative Authority: The Florida State Statutes are enacted by the Florida Legislature, which consists of the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives. The Legislature has the authority to create, amend, and repeal laws in accordance with the state constitution.
Regular Updates: The Florida State Statutes are regularly updated as new laws are enacted or existing laws are amended or repealed. It’s important to consult the most current version of the Statutes to ensure you have the latest information.
Official Publication: The Florida Statutes are published by the Division of Statutory Revision of the Florida Department of State. The official publication is available online through the Florida Legislature’s website (www.leg.state.fl.us) and in print format.
Scope of Coverage: The Florida Statutes cover a wide range of legal topics, including criminal law, family law, property law, contracts, business and corporate law, taxation, motor vehicles, healthcare, environmental regulations, education, and many other areas of law.
Citations: Each section of the Florida Statutes is assigned a unique citation, which includes the title, chapter, and section number.
Legal Authority: The Florida State Statutes have the force of law and are legally binding within the state. Courts interpret and apply the Statutes when resolving legal disputes and making decisions.
Interaction with Local Laws: In some cases, local governments in Florida, such as counties and municipalities, may enact ordinances that provide additional regulations and requirements within their jurisdiction. These local laws may complement or supplement the Florida State Statutes but cannot contradict or override them.
Website: Florida Statutes
Florida Laws
You can search the Florida Archives for laws that have been passed in Florida since 1822.
Website: State Library & Archives of Florida