Florida
Florida’s highest court is the Supreme Court of Florida. The court has six justices and one chief justice, who is selected by the supreme court justices for a two-year term. (Source: Florida Constitution).
Judicial Selection
The governor appoints a candidate to the Supreme Court of Florida from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. After at least one year on the court, a justice may stand for a six-year term in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Florida’s next general election. Justices may stand for additional terms in the same retention process. When a seat on the court opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 75, but a justice who has served one half of their term can complete the rest of the term.
State Constitution
Florida has had six constitutions adopted between 1839 and 1968. As of January 1, 2024, it had 141 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024).
Filters
Will Voters Have the Final Say on Abortion Rights in Florida?
Lawmakers could undermine reproductive rights even if voters enshrine abortion protections into the state constitution.
Florida Supreme Court Allows Abortion Ban, but Final Decision Will Go to Voters
The decision means that a 6-week ban will go into effect next month, but a proposed amendment protecting abortion will be on the Florida ballot in November.
Does Tennessee’s School Choice Program Violate the State Constitution’s Public Education Guarantee?
An education choice advocate argues that it does not — and points out that state high courts have consistently rejected arguments that such programs undermine public education.
The Sorry State of Disclosure for State Supreme Court Justices
A new study reveals that disclosures by state supreme court justices are frequently hard to access and lack relevant financial information.
Are Forced Condo Sales 'Takings' Under the Arizona Constitution?
The state high court is set to rule in a dispute between homeowners and an investment firm.
Who Has the Authority to Prosecute People Accused of ‘Voter Fraud’ in Florida?
A Florida appellate court is set to determine whether a statewide office created in the 1980s by constitutional amendment to combat organized crime can prosecute someone accused of voting while ineligible.
Reproductive Rights in State Constitutional Law
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Promise and Limits of State Constitutions
Unpacking the Legal Challenges to Trump’s Ballot Eligibility
The vast majority of cases aiming to remove Trump from the ballot have been dismissed, but without deciding whether he’s eligible to hold the presidency.