Initiatives

Thank you for visiting our Senate website. We hope you will find the information useful and we look forward to receiving your feedback.

This past session, we partnered with Speaker Will Weatherford and the Florida House of Representatives on a 2013 joint legislative agenda that included bold steps to tackle ethics and campaign finance reform, fiscally responsible changes to Florida’s public sector pension plans, innovations in Florida's higher education system and a review of Florida election laws.

As Florida continues to make job creation a priority, we must rebuild trust and confidence in public officials through ethics and campaign finance reform, improve the fiscal accountability and transparency of public sector pension plans, and tie job creation to the realities of the economy through investments in education. We created a solid framework of agreement on issues of key importance and collaborated with the Speaker as we worked each piece of legislation through the process. Now, we are glad to report that each of the five agenda items has been signed into law by the Governor.  

Again, thank you for visiting and please stay in touch. Your comments, your criticisms and your guidance make me be a better Senator.

Work Plan Florida

• Ethics Reform: Holding elected officials to a higher standard by addressing a number of reported ethical concerns, including strengthening abstention and disclosure requirements for conflicts of interest and making the process surrounding financial disclosure more transparent and accountable.
• Campaign Finance Reform: Increasing accountability in Florida's election system by ensuring more dollars are spent to directly influence elections, and increasing transparency through more frequent campaign finance reporting.
• Higher Education Reform: Initiating high quality, affordable options that will keep our higher education system responsive to the realities of a post-recession digital economy through an expansion of online higher education and continued incentive support for college and university programs that produce high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand occupations.
• Pension Reform: Ensuring long-term fiscal predictability for Florida taxpayers and retirees. Increasing transparency by standardizing accounting standards and recording requirements across local public sector plans.
• Elections Review: Comprehensively reviewing Florida's election law to provide local election supervisors the flexibility needed to reduce wait times and ensure accurate and timely counting and reporting.

Visit Work Plan Florida for additional information about the plan. See Work Plan Florida Tour page for updates on the regional tour.

Florida's Appropriations

Appropriations and Implementing bills authorize the spending of public money on an annual basis. The appropriations measures passed unanimously by the Senate comprise the state budget. Information relating to these bills and other bills that have been determined to be part of the budget process is posted at http://flsenate.gov/Session/Appropriations.

Leadership Team

Don Gaetz President

Garrett Richter President Pro Tempore

Lizbeth Benacquisto Majority (Republican) Leader

Christopher L. "Chris" Smith Minority (Democratic) Leader

Legislative Appointments

The President of the Senate has appointing authority for a diverse number of boards and commissions throughout the state. These boards and commissions include:

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• Advisory Council for the Website Information Clearinghouse on Developmental Disabilities

  The Advisory Council provides assistance to the Department of Health relating to the needs of patients and families of patients with developmental disabilities in the establishment of the information clearinghouse on developmental disabilities.

  • Total Number of Members: 9
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3

• Automobile Insurance Fraud Strike Force Board of Directors

  The Automobile Insurance Fraud Strike Force supports the prosecution, investigation, and prevention of motor vehicle insurance fraud.

  • Total Number of Members: 11
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

• Biomedical Research Advisory Council (BRAC)

  The James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program works within the Department of Health to provide a perpetual annual source of funding for research in the areas of tobacco-related cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. The BRAC is charged with developing the strategic objectives and priorities of the programs, and with recommending which research proposals should be funded, based on the scientific merit of the proposals.

  • Total Number of Members: 11
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  www.floridabiomed.com/council.html

• Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors

  Citizens is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt government corporation whose public purpose is to provide insurance protection to Florida property owners throughout the state.

  • Total Number of Members: 8
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  www.citizensfla.com

• Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida

  The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida creates and reviews plans for the state's future for the protection of state land, water, and natural resources in light of Florida's rapid population growth. It provides state leadership with annual reports and recommendations for growth management in the state.

  • Total Number of Members: 15
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 5
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 5
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 5

  www.centurycommission.org

• Citrus/Hernando Waterways Restoration Council

  The Citrus/Hernando Waterways Restoration Council consists of two county taskforces that develop plans for the restoration of waterways in Citrus and Hernando Counties.

  • Total Number of Members: 14
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 7
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 7

  www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/waterways

• Commission on Ethics

  The Commission on Ethics upholds the standards of conduct for the employees of the state, counties, cities, and other political subdivisions of Florida.

  • Total Number of Members: 9
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 5
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  www.ethics.state.fl.us

• Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys

  The Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys studies adverse societal conditions effecting black males including homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rates, poverty, drug abuse, death rates, school performance, and health issues and propose measures to correct the underlying causes of these issues.

  • Total Number of Members: 19
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4

  www.cssbmb.com

• Elderly Affairs Advisory Council

  The Elderly Affairs Advisory Council advises the Department of Elderly Affairs in decisions regarding organizational issues and additions or reductions to the department's responsibilities. It also assists the Secretary of Elderly Affairs in carrying out the duties of the department.

  • Total Number of Members: 17
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 13
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/advisory.php

• Enterprise Florida Board of Directors

  Oversees the Enterprise Florida Corporation; a non-profit organization that assists in the expansion and development of black business enterprise through communication with Government agencies.

  • Total Number of Members: 19
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 6
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4

  www.eflorida.com

• Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council

  The Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council recommends solutions to the Board of Governors and the State Surgeon General regarding methods to control and prevent cancer throughout the state.

  • Total Number of Members: 35
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 33
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1

  www.ccrab.org

• Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research Scientific Advisory Council

  The Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research Scientific Advisory Council advises a coordinated research effort to treat and cure cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors. The Council works with The Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Institute of the University of Florida who collaborate with other brain cancer research institutions in a unified effort to cure brain tumors.

  • Total Number of Members: 11
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3

  www.fcbtr.ufl.edu

• Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation Executive Council

  The Florida Clerk of the Courts Operations Corporation reviews proposed budgets related to the Courts.

  • Total Number of Members: 11
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1

  www.flccoc.org/council.php

• Florida Commission on the Status of Women

  The Florida Commission on the Status of Women studies the changing and developing roles of women in American society. The Commission addresses issues that include domestic violence, gender equity, family, employment, education, and healthcare.

  • Total Number of Members: 22
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4

  www.fcsw.net/fcsw_foundation.htm

• Florida Council on Arts and Culture

  The Florida Council on Arts and Culture advises the Secretary of State regarding cultural grant funding and on all matters pertaining to culture in Florida.

  • Total Number of Members: 15
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 7
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4

  www.florida-arts.org/about/fcac/

• Florida Defense Support Task Force

  The Defense Support Task Force improves the state's military-friendly environment and prepares the state to effectively compete in federal base realignment and closure action.

  • Total Number of Members: 13
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4

• Florida Early Learning Advisory Council

  The Florida Early Learning Advisory Council submits recommendations to the Agency of Workforce Innovation regarding state policies relating to voluntary pre-kindergarten education programs.

  • Total Number of Members: 34
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1

  www.floridaearlylearning.com/ELACOnline/index-1.html

• Florida Education Fund Board of Directors

  The Florida Education Fund board of directors oversees the Florida Education Fund; a state program which matches half of the funds contributed by private sources in order to fund scholarships and educational opportunities in the state of Florida.

  • Total Number of Members: 12
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  www.floridaeducationfoundation.org

• Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council

  The Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council facilitates cooperation between the State Government and Florida's faith-based and community-based organizations in order to deliver services more effectively.

  • Total Number of Members: 25
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 17
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4

  www.flgov.com/child_advocacy_fbcbac/

• Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council

  The Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council advises the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development and the Office of Film and Entertainment on developing, marketing, and promoting the state's entertainment industry.

  • Total Number of Members: 17
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 7
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 5
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 5

  www.filminflorida.com/ABOUT/FEAC.ASP

• Florida Greenways and Trails Council

  The Florida Greenways and Trails Council manages the maintenance of Florida's greenways and trails. They are tasked with overseeing conservation corridors, greenbelts, recreational trails, scenic corridors, reserves, regional parks and preserves, ecological sites, freshwater and saltwater paddling trails, and other nature-centric roadways throughout the state.

  • Total Number of Members: 21
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 5
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3

  www.dep.state.fl.us/GWT/QUICK_LINKS/FGTC/COUNCIL.HTM

• Florida Health Choices, Inc., Board of Directors

  Florida Health Choices' address the need to have access to affordable, quality health care by creating a competitive market for purchasing health insurance and health services. Insurers and other companies will be able to offer more flexible insurance options and other products geared toward businesses with 50 or fewer employees.

  • Total Number of Members: 15
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4

  myfloridachoices.org/about

• Florida Historical Commission

  The Florida Historical Commission prioritizes the preservation of historical and archeological sites in the State of Florida. They also provide programs to encourage public interest and involvement in the preservation of Florida's historic and archeological sites.

  • Total Number of Members: 11
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 7
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  www.flheritage.com/preservation/fhc/index.cfm

• Florida Statewide Passenger Rail Commission

  The Florida Statewide Passenger Rail Commission monitors the efficiency, productivity, and management of all public passenger rail systems in the state. They also provide advice on policies for planning, designing, building, operating, financing, and maintain statewide passenger rail services.

  • Total Number of Members: 9
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3

  www.floridarailcommission.com/

• Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame Council

  The Council nominates persons to be considered for induction into the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.

  • Total Number of Members: 7
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1

• Higher Education Coordinating Council

  The Higher Education Coordinating Council advises the Legislature, the Board of Governors, and the State Board of Education in order to promote coordination and consistency between educational institutions throughout Florida from Kindergarten to graduate school.

  • Total Number of Members: 7
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1

  www.floridahighereducation.org/

• Low-income Pool Council (LIP)

  The Medicaid Low Income Pool Council advises the Agency for Health Care Administration in financing a low-income pool plan for Medicare and Medicaid programs.

  • Total Number of Members: 24
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/medicaid_reform/lip

• Public Service Commission Nominating Council

  The Public Service Commission Nomination Council nominates candidates to the Governor to fill vacancies on the Public Service Commission; a body which ensures Floridians receive services like natural gas, electricity, telephone, water, and wastewater in a safe affordable manner.

  • Total Number of Members: 12
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 6
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 6

  www.leg.state.fl.us/cgi-bin/View_Page.pl?File=index.cfm&Directory=committees/joint/pscnc/

• Scripps Florida Funding Corporation Board of Directors

  The SCRIPPS Florida Funding Corporation Board of Directors oversees legislative appropriations made to the SCRIPPS biomedical research institute and campus. It also ensures that SCRIPPS upholds its contractual obligations to the state in exchange for these funds.

  • Total Number of Members: 9
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3

• Small Business Air Pollution Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP)

  The CAP renders advice on the effectiveness of the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program and the difficulties encountered by small business. They review information for stationary air pollution sources to assure the information is understandable to the small business community.

  • Total Number of Members: 7
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1

  www.dep.state.fl.us/AIR/EMISSION/SBEAP/PROGRAM.HTM

• Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council

  The Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council advises and reviews a statewide program aimed at reducing the prevalence of tobacco usage among youth, adults, and pregnant women. The program includes the funding of educational marketing campaigns, community and youth programs, as well as counseling and referral services to those struggling with tobacco use related habits or diseases.

  • Total Number of Members: 23
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
  • Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2

  www.doh.state.fl.us/TOBACCO/TAC.HTML

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