ORDINANCES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF I885

ORDINANCE NO 1: Section 1 : This constitution shall be submit-

ted to the people of the State of Florida for ratification on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November A. D. 1886, and it shall require a majority of the votes cast upon the question to determine its ratification or rejec-tion.

Section 2: At such election each qualified elector shall express his assent or dissent, by having written or printed upon the ticket which he shall vote the words, "For the Constitution," or "Against the Constitution;" such election be-ing subject to the same regulations and restric-tions as are now prescribed by law. And in case of its ratification by the people, the Governor shall forth-with cause proclamation to be made of the fact, and it shall go into effect on the first day of January, A. D. 1887.

ORDINANCE NO 2: Section 1 : Article XIX shall be sumitted to

the people, when the Constitution is submitted for ratification, to become a part of the Constitu-tion, if adopted by a majority of the votes cast upon the question, .and the ballots of those voting on this Article shall have written or printed on them the words, "For Article XIX," or "Against Article XIX"

. ORDINANCE NO 3 Be it Ordained by the People of Florida, Repre-

!ented in Constitutional Convention: Section 1 : The pay of the members of this

Constitutional Convention shall be a per diem for attendance of six $6.00 dollars a day in addition ~o mileage of ten cents a mile, each way, from their places of residence to the Capital and return, estimated by the shortest thoroughfare.

Section 2: The pay of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary. of the Convention and all the Clerks elected by the Convention shan· be six $6.00 dollars per diem each, allowing the Sec-~etary and Assistant Secretary one day after ad-JOUrnment to complete unfinished business; all Committee Clerks shall receive five $5.00 dol-lars per-diem for the number of days certified by the Chairman of the Committee; the pay of the Sergeant-at-Arms shall be six $6.00 do II a r s per diem, and the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms shall be five $5.00 dollars per-diem; the pay of

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the Messengers of the Convention shall be four $4.00 dollars per diem each; the pay of the Door-Keeper shall be five $5.00 dollars per-diem; the pay of Pages shall be three $3.00 dollars per diem each; the pay of the Janitor shall be two $2.00 dollars per diem; the pay of the Chaplain shall be one hundred dollars. The Recording Clerk shall complete his work after the adjourn-ment of the Convention, under the supervision of the Secretary of State, and shall be paid for the same fifty dollars when his work is completed. Eighteen dollars shall be paid W. R. Carter for services as Assistant Secretary for three days. Messrs Dorr & Bowen shall be paid for printing the amount approved by the Committee on Print-ing, certified by the President and Secretary of the Convention.

Section 3 : The Comptroller is required to draw his warrant on the Treasurer in favor of the officers and employees of this Convention for the full amount allowed them by section two, and to each delegate of this Convention for his pro-rata share of the amount appropriated by the Legislature, after deducting from said amount the amount due said employees and all other ex-penses, including mileage of members, incurred by this Convention.

Section 4: The President is authorized on behalf of this Convention to issue certificates signed by himself and countersigned by the Sec-retary, to each of the members, payable to him-self or his order, bearing interest at the rate of eight per cent. per annum from date, for the amount remaining due on account of the defici-ency of the Legislative appropriation for ex-penses of this Convention. ·

Section 5: The Legislature shall make an ap-propriation at its next session to pay said cer-tificates.

Section 6: Be it further ordained; That the Secretary of this Convention be and he is hereby authorized to audit the accounts of the members and all other expenses.

Done in open Convention, at Tallahassee this 3rd day of August A. D. Eighteen Hundred and Eighty-Five, and of the independence of the United States, the One Hundred and tenth year

S. PASCO, President. J. E. YONGE, First Vice-President. WM. R. REYNOLDS, Secretary Convention.

W. M. Bennett, Joseph H. Humphries, James R. Challen, Theodore Randell,

ORDINANCES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1885

Norman T. Scott, Wm. A. Blount, A. E. Maxwell, E. M. Randall, A. L. McCaskill, W. H. Milton, W. L. Hunter, Obadiah Edge, J. G. Speer, R. F. Taylor, John Westcott, L. W. Bethel, KingWylly, William B. Randolph, Jeremiah Fogarty, E. C. Love, John Crews Pelot, John C. Richard, Joseph M. Tolbert, A. D. McKinnon, J.P. B. Goodbread, B. D. Wadsworth, Thos. V. Gibbs, E. C. F. Sanchez,

B. F. Oliveros, F. B. Genovar, Robt. F. Rogers, Henry C. Hicks, Jas. Wood Davidson, William T. Weeks, E. J. Lutterloh, J. R. Herndon, Wallace B. Carr, J. M. Landrum, B. J. Earle, Irving Gillis, Geo. P. Fowler, Jeff Alexis Hendley, W. H. Cook, John W. Tompkins, Thos. E. Clarke, Hannibal Rowe, Robert Robinson, John B. Johnston, Wallace S. Jones, R. C. Parkhill, W. T. Orman, Wm. F. Thompson,

E.L.Odom, H. C. Baker, J.P. Morgan, W. F. Green, Angus Paterson, John D. Broome, T. F. Swearingen, S. B. Conover, M. M. Blackburn, Wm. N. Sheats, Jas. P. Coker, C. C. Wilson, Philip Walter, John Neel, W. H. Hausman, J as. B. Stone, Alexander Bell, Syd. L. Carter, John W. Malone, S. J. Turnbull, Lewis Wilson, Wash M. I ves, James F. McClellan, J. E. Yonge, George I. Davis,

Henry W. Chandler, Hugh E. Miller, Wm. R. Bush, · J.D. Goss, Thos. N. Bell, Chas. W. Lewis, H. L. Parker, Paul Hatch, W. B. Tedder, Robert Henderson, L. D. Carson, A. L. Wellman, J no. Parsons, A. S. Mann, Alex Zipperer, H. H. Duncan, T. L. Clarke, John F. Marshall, W. A. Hocker, Daniel Campbell, Jonathan C. Greeley, John P. Wall, M.D., Jno. T. Lesley, John W. Mitchell,

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. CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ADOPTED BY THE CONVENTION OF 1885, AS AMENDED.

The constitution of the State of Florida as it appears here is a literal repro-duction of the origina.l handwritten constitution signed by the members of the Constitutional Convention of 1885, on file in the office of the Secretary of State, with the exception of amended sections and subsequent additional amendments adopted by a vote of the people, which are reproduced here from the original joint resolutions of the Legislature filed and recorded in the office of the Secretary of State. Variances in spelling and punctuation between this reproduction and pre-viously published copies of the constitution exist, because we have refrained from editing or correcting apparent clerical errors in the original document. The analysis which appears at the beginning of each article of the constitution, the headings which follow each section number and the history notes have been added for convenience, and are not a part of the original.

PREAMBLE We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our

constitutional liberty, in order to secure its blessings and to form a more perfect government, insureing domestic tranquility, maintaining public order and guaran-teeing equal civil and 'political rights to all, do ordain and establish this con-stitution.

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. Sec.

1. Equality; inherent rights. 2. Political powers; government; allegiance. 3. Trial by jury inviolate. 4. Courts open to everyone; remedy for wrongs . • 5. Religious freedom; liberty of conscience; etc. 6. Religious preferences; public aid; etc. 7. Habeas corpus and suspension thereof. 8. Excessive bail, fines, etc.; cruel punishment. 9. Right to bail; when denied.

10. Prosecution for crimes; indictments; in-formations; grand juries; etc.

11. Rights of accused ; speedy trial; etc. 12. Double jeopardy; self-incrimination; emi-

nent domain; right to work. SECTION 1. Equality; inherent rights.-All

men are equal before the law, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquir-ing possessing and protecting property, and pursueing happiness and obtaining safety.

SECTION 2. Political powers; government; allegiance.-All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security and benefit of the citizens, and they have the right to alter or amend the same whenever the public good may require it; but the paramount allegiance of every citi-zen is due to the Federal Government, and the people of this State have no power to dissolve its connection therewith.

SECTION 3. Trial by jury inviolate.-The right of trial by jury shall bee secured to all, and remain inviolate forever.

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Sec. 13. Freedom of speech and press; truth as de-

fense to libel; etc. 14. Costs, when payable. 15. Right of assemblage; petition. 16. Imprisonment for debt. 17. Attainder ; ex post facto laws; obligation of

contract. 18. Equal rights for aliens and citizens. 19. Slavery prohibited; penal servitude. 20. Right to bear arms. 21. Military subordinate to civil powers. 22. Searches and seizures. 23. Treason 24. Enunciated rights no impairment of others. SECTION 4. Courts open to everyone;

remedy for wrongs.-All courts in this state shall be open, so that every person for any injury done him in his lands, ·goods, person or reputation shall have remedy, by due course of . law, and right and justice shall be ad-ministered without sale, denial or delay.

SECTION 5. Religious freedom; liberty of conscience, etc.-The free excercise and enjoy-ment of religious profession and worship shall for-ever be allowed in this State, and no person shall be rendered incompetent as a witness on account of his religious opinions; but the liberty of consience hereby secured shall not be so constrewed as to justify licentiousness or practices subversive of, or inconsistent with, the peace or moral safety of the State or society.

SECTION 6. Religious preferences; public aid, etc.-No preference shall be given by law

DR CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

to any church, sect or mode of worship and no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly .in aid of any church, sect or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.

SECTION 7. Habeas corpus and suspension thereof.-The writ of habeas corpus shall be grantable speedily and of right, freely and without cost, and shall never be suspended un-less, in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require its suspension.

SECTION 8. Excessive bail, fines, etc.; cruel punishment.-Excessive bail shall not be re-quired, nor excessive fines be imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment or indefinite im-prisonment be allowed, nor shall witnesses be unreasonably detained.

SECTION 9. Right to bail; when denied.-All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sure-ties, except for capital offenses where the proof is evident or the presumption great.

SECTION 10. Prosecution for crimes; in-dictments; informations; grand juries, etc.-No person shall be tried for a capital crime unless on presentment or indictment by a grand jury, and no person shall be tried for other felony unless on presentment or indict-ment by a grand jury or upon information under oath filed by the prosecuting attorney of the court wherein the information is filed, except as is otherwise provided in this Consti-tution, and except in cases of impeachment, and in cases in the militia when in active serv-ice in time of war, or which the State, with the consent of Congress, may keep in time of peace. Any person under such information, presentment or indictment for any felony not capital may be arraigned and may enter a plea in term time or in vacation, and the judgment and sentence of the court on a plea of guilty may be made and entered either in term time or in vacation. The Judge of any circuit court is authorized to dispense with the summoning, empanelling, and convening of the grand jury at any term of court by making, entering, and filing with the clerk of said court a written order directing that no grand jury be sum-moned at such term of court, which order of the Circuit Judge may be made in vacation or term time of said court. The Legislature shall have power by general legislation to regulate the number of grand jurors to serve upon, or constitute, a grand jury and to fix the number of grand jurors required to vote for and re-turn an indictment or presentment.

This amendment, upon ratification as afore-said, shall take effect at midnight on December 31st, 1934, without the necessity of Legislation. Hlstory.-Am. H.J.R. 152, 1933; adopted 1934.

cf.-§28, Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 11. Rights of accused; speedy trial; etc.-In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury, in the county where the crime was committed, and shall be

heard by himself, or counsel, or both, to de-mand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to meet the witnesses against him face to face, and have compulsory process for the attendance of witnesses in his favor, and shall be furnished with a copy of the indict-ment against him.

SECTION 12. Double jeopardy; self-incrimi-nation; eminent domain; right to work.-No person shall be subject to be twice put in jeop-ardy for the same offense, nor compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken without just compensation. The right of persons to work shall not be de-nied or abridged on account of membership or nonmembership in any labor union, or labor organization; provided, that this clause shall not be construed to deny or abridge the right of employees by and through a labor organization or labor union to bargain collectively with their employer.

Hlstory.-Am. H .J.R. 13, 1943; adopted 1944.

SECTION 13. Freedom of speech and press; truth as defense to libel; etc.-Every person may fully speak and write his sentiments on all subjects being responsible for the abuse of that right, and no laws shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech, or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions and civil actions for libel, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury, and if it shall appear that the matter charged as libellous is true, and was published for good motives, the party

·shall be acquitted or exonerated. SECTION 14. Costs, when payable.-No per-

son shall be compelled to pay costs except after conviction, on a final trial.

SECTION 15. Right of assemblage; petition. - The people shall have the right to assemble together to consult for the common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition the Legislature for redress of grievances.

SECTION 16. Imprisonment for debt.-No person shall be imprisoned for debt, except in cases of fraud.

SECTION 17. Attainder; ex post facto laws; obligation of contract.-No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, nor any law impairing the obligation of contracts, shall ever be passed.

SECTION 18. Equal rights for aliens and citizens.-Foreigners who are eligible to be-come citizens of the United States under the provisions of the laws and treaties of the United States shall have the same rights as to the ownership, inheritance and disposition of property in the State as citizens of the State, but the Legislature shall have power to limit, regulate and prohibit the ownership, inheritance, disposition, possession and enjoy-ment of real estate in the State of Florida by foreigners who are not eligible to become citi-zens of the United States under the provisions of the laws and treaties of the United States.

History.-Am. H.J.R. 759, 1925; adopted 1926.

5 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ART. III

SECTION 19. Slavery prohibited; pen a 1 servitude.- Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party has been duly convicted, shall ever be allowed in this State.

SECTION 20. Right to bear arms.- The right of the people to bear arms in defence of themselves, and the lawful authority of the State, shall not be infringed, but the Legisla-tur~ may prescribe the manner in which they may be borne.

SECTION 21. Military subordinate to civil powers.-The military shall in all cases, and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power.

SECTION 22. Searches and seizures.-The right of the people to be secure in their per-sons, houses, papers and effects against un-

reasonable seizures and searches, shall not be violated and no warrants issued, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirma-tion, particularly describing the place or places to be searched and the person or persons, and thing or things to be seized.

SECTION 23. Treason. - Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, adhering to its enemies, or giving them aid and comfort, and no person shall be convicted of treason, except on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or con-fession in open court, and no conviction for treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture of estate.

SECTION 24. Enunciated rights no impair-ment of others.-This enunciation of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.

ARTICLE I. BOUNDARIES

State boundaries. - The boundaries of the State of Florida shall be as follows. Com-mencing at the mouth of the river Perdido; from thence up the middle of said river to where it intersects the south boundary line of the State of Alabama, and the thirty-first de-gree of north latitude; thence due east to the Chattahoochee river'; thence down the middle of said river to its confluence with the Flint river; thence straight to the head of the St. Mary's river; thence down the middle

of said river to the Atlantic ocean; then south-eastwardly along the coast to the edge of the Gulf Stream; thence southwestwardly along the edge of the Gulf Stream and Florida Reefs to, and including the Tortugas Islands; thence northeastwardly to a point three leagues from the mainland; thence northwestwardly three leagues from the land to a point west of the mouth of the Perdido river; thence to the place of beginning.

ARTICLE II. DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS.

Legislative department (Art. III.) ments; Legislative, Executive and Judicial; and Executive department (Art. IV.) no person properly belonging to one of the de-Judicial department (Art. V.) partment shall exercise any powers appertaining The powers of the government of the State to either of the others, except in cases expressly

of Florida, shall be divided into three depart- provided for by this Constitution.

ARTICLE III. LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.

Sec. 1. Legislative powers; senate; house of repre-

sentatives. 2. Regular and extra sessions. 3. Legislators, how chosen. 4. Legislators, qualifications, salaries, etc. 5. Ineligibility of legislators to office. 6. Organization; officers; rules; expulsion of

members; etc. 7. Ineligibility of state and federal officers. 8. Change of residence vacates office. 9. Contempt of legislature.

10. Compulsory attendance of witnesses. 11. Quorum; adjournments; compulsory attend-

ance of members. 12. Journals of proceedings. 13. Open doors; adjournment of one house. 14. Origin of bills; amendments. 15. Enacting clause, form. 16. Acts; one subject; expressed in title; amend-

ments. ·

Sec. 1 7. Enactment of legislature; reading; vote;

signatures. 18. Effective date of acts. 19. Accounts of public money; publication. 20. Special and private laws, when prohibited. 21. General laws on certain subjects; general

and uniform ·operation; notice of inten-tion to apply for local legislation.

22. Suits against state. 23. Lotteries. 24. Uniform county and municipal government;

classification of cities and towns. 25. Incorporation of companies and associa-

tions; special and local laws. 26. Election laws. 27. Election, duties, and compensation of state

and county officers. 28. Executive approval of acts; veto; overriding

veto.

ART. III CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA 6

Sec. 29. Impeachment of officers. 30. Appropriation bills. 31. United States senators.

SECTION 1. Legislative powers; senate; house of representatives.-The Legislative au-thority of this State shall be vested in a Senate and a House of Representatives, which shall be designated The Legislature of the State of Florida and the sessions thereof shall be held at the seat of government of the State.

SECTION 2. Regular and extra sessions.-The regular sessions of the Legislature shall be held biennially, commencing on the first Tuesday after the Monday in April, A. D. 1887, and on the corresponding day of every second year thearafter, but the Governor may convene the same in extra session by his proclamation. Regular sessions of the Legislature may extend to sixty days, but no special session convened by the Governor shall exceed twenty days.

SECTION 3. Legislators, how chosen.-The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Florida shall be chosen biennially beginning with the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in No-vember 1898, and thereafter on the correspond-ing day of every second year.

Hlstory.-Am. J'.R. 5, 1895, adopted 1896.

SECTION 4. Legislators, qualifications, salaries, etc.--Senators and members of the House of Representatives shall be duly quali-fied electors in the respective counties and dis-tricts for which they were chosen. The pay of members of the Senate and House of Represen-tatives shall be ten dollars a day for each day of the session; and in addition thereto they shall be paid for subsistence not more than seven dollars and fifty cents a day for each day of the session, and mileage to be paid to and from their homes to the seat of government by the nearest and most practical route at the rate of not more than seven and one-half cents per mile for not more than four round trips in any regular session nor for more than two round trips in any special or extraordinary session.

Hlstory.-Am. H .J'.R. 179, 1947; adopted 1948.

SECTION 5. Ineligibility of legislators to office.-No Senator or member of the House of Representative shall during the time for which he was elected, be appointed, or elected to any civil office under the Constitution of this State that has been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time.

SECTION 6. Organization; officers; rules; expulsion of members; etc.-Each house shall judge of the qualifications, elections and re-turns of its own members, choose its own offi-cers, and determine the rules of its proceed-ings. The Senate shall, at the convening of each regular session thereof, choose from among its own members a permanent President of the Senate, who shall be its presiding officer.

Sec. 32. Crimes, effect of repeal or amendment o!

law. 33. Limitations, reducing time. 34. Impeached officers; effect of impeachment.

The House of Representatives shall, at the con-viening of each regular session thereof, choose from among its own members a permanent Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be its presiding officer. Each house may punish its own members for disorderly con-duct; and each house with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members present, may expel a member.

SECTION 7. Ineligibility of state and fed-eral officers.-N o person holding a lucrative office or appointment under the United States or this State, shall be eligible to a seat in the Legislature of this State.

SECTION 8. Change of residence vacates office.-The seat of a member of either House shall be vacated on his permanent change of residence from the district or county from which he was elected.

SECTION 9. Contempt of legislature.-Either House during the session may punish by fine or imprisonment any person not a mem-ber who shall have been guilty of disorderly or contemptous conduct in its presence, or of a refusal to obey its lawful summons but such imprisonment shall not extend beyond the final adjournment of the session.

SECTION 10. Compulsory attendance of wit-nesses.-Either House shall have power to com-pel the attendance of witness upon any investiga-tions held by itself, or by any of its committees; the manner of the exercise of such power shall be provided by Law.

SECTION 11. Quorum; adjournments; com-pulsory attendance of members.-A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the presence of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as it may prescribe.

SECTION 12. Journals of proceedings.-Each House shall keep a Journal of its own proceedings, which shall be published, and the yeas and nays of the members of either House on any question shall, at the desire of any five members present, be entered on the Journal.

SECTION 13. Open doors; adjournment of one house.-The doors of each House shall be kept open during its session except the Senate while sitting in Executive session; and neither shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days or to any other town than that in which they may be holding their session.

SECTION 14. Origin of bills; amendments. -Any bill may origonate in either House of the Legislature, and after being passed in one House may be amended in the other.

7 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ART. III

SECTION 15. Enacting clause, form.-The enacting clause of every law shall be as fol-lows: Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida.

SECTION 16. Acts; one subject; expressed in title; amendments.-Each law enacted in the Legislature shall embrace but one subject and matter properly connected therewith, which subject shall be briefly expressed in the title; and no law shall be amended or revised by reference to its title only; but in such case the act, as revised, or section, as amended, shall be re-enacted and published at length.

SECTION 17. Enactment of legislature; reading; vote; signatures.-Every bill shall be read by its title, on its first reading, in either house, unless one-third of the members present desire it read by sections. Every bill shall be read on three several days, unless two-thirds of the members present when such bill may be pending shall deem it expedient to dispense with this rule. Every bill shall be read by its sections on its second reading and on its final passage, unless on its second reading two-thirds of the members present in the House where such bill may be pending, shall deem it expedient to dispense with this rule. The vote on the final passage of every bill or joint resolution shall be taken by yeas and nays to be entered on the journal of each house; Provided;-That any general revision of the entire laws embodied in any bill shall not be required to be read by sections upon its final passage, and its reading may be wholly dispensed with by a two-thirds vote. A ma-jority of the members pre,sent in each house shall be necessary to pass every bill or joint resolution. All bills or joint resolutions so passed shall be signed by the presiding officer of the respective houses and by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives.

History.-Am. J .R. 2, 1895; adopted 1896.

SECTION 18. Effective date of acts.- No law shall take effect until sixty days from the final adjournment of the session of the Legis-lattu·e at which it may have been enacted, 'Jnless otherwise specially provided in such law.

SECTION 19. Accounts of public money; publication.-Accurate statements of the re-ceipts and expendatures of the public money shall be attached to and published with the laws passed at every regular session of the Legislature.

SECTION 20. Special and private laws, when prohibited.-The Legislature shall not pass spe-cial or local laws in any of the following enumerated cases: that is to say, regulating the jurisdiction and duties of any class of officers, except municipal officers, or for the punishment of crime or misdemeanor, regu-lating the practice of courts of justice, except municipal courts; providing for changing venue of civil and criminal cases; granting devorces;

changing the names of persons; vacating roads; summoning and empaneling grand and petit juries, and providing for their compensation; for assessment and collection of taxes for State and county purposes; for opening and conduct-ing elections for State and County officers, and for designating the places of voting; for the sale of real estate belonging to minors, estates of descendents and of persons laboring under legal disabilities; regulating the fees of officers of the State and County; giving effect to informal or invalid deeds or wills; legitimiz-ing children; providing for the adoption. of children; relieving minors from legal di.sa-bilities; and for the establishment of fernes.

SECTION 21. General laws on certain sub-jects; general and uniform opera~ion;. notice of intention to apply for local leg1slahon.-In all cases enumerated in the preceding Section, all laws shall be general and ·of uniform opera-tion throughout the State, but in all cases not enumerated or excepted in that Section, the Legislature may pass special or local laws, except as now or hereafter otherwise provided in the Constitution; PROVIDED that no local or special bill shall be pas~ed~ nor shall ~ny local or special law estabhshmg or abolish-ing municipalities, or providing for their g?v-ernment, jurisdiction and powers, or alten.ng or amending the same, be passed, unless notice of intention to apply therefor shall have been published in the manner provided by law where the matter or thing to be affected may be situated which notice shall be published in the man~er provided by law at least thirty days prior to introduction into the Legislat'!re of any such bill. The evidence that. such ~10tice has been published 8hall be established m the Legislature before such bill shall be passed, and such evidence shall be filed or preserved with the bill in the office of the Secretary of State in such manner as the Legislature shall provide, and the fact that such. notice was established in the Legislature shall m every case be recited upon the Journals of the Senate and of the House of Representatives; PROVIDED, however, no publication of any such law sh:>ll be required hereunder when such law contams a provision to the effect that the same shall not become operative or effective until ratified or approved at a referendum election to be called and held in the territory affected in accordance with a provision therefor contained in such bill, or provided by_ general law.

Hlstory.-Am. S.J.R. 81, 1937; adopted 1938.

SECTION 22. Suits against state.-Provi-sion may be made by general law for bringing suit against the State as to all liabilities now existing or hereafter originating.

SECTION 23. Lotteries.-Lotteries are here-by prohibited in this State.

SECTION 24. Uniform county and municipal government; classification of cities and towns. -The Legislature shall establish an uniform system of county and municipal government,

ART. III CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA 8

which shall be applicable, except in cases where local or special laws for counties are pro-vided by the Legislature that may be inconsist-ene therewith. The Legislature shall by gen-eral law classify cities and towns according to population, and shall by general law provide for their incorporation, government, jurisdic-tion, powers, duties and privileges under such classifications, and no special or local laws incorporating cities or towns, providing for their government, jurisdiction, powers, duties and privileges shall be passed by the Legisla-ture.

History.-Am. S . .T.R. 296, 1933 ; adopted 1934.

SECTION 25. Incorporation of companies and associations; special and local laws.-The Legislature shall provide by general law for incorporating such educational, agricultural, mechanical, mining, transportation, mercantile and other useful companies or associations as may be deemed necessary; but it shall not pass any special law on any such subject, and any such special law shall be of no effect; Pro-vided, however, That nothing herein shall pre-clude special legislation as to a university or the public schools, or as to a ship canal across the State.

History.-Am . .r·.R. 2, 1899; adopted 1900.

SECTION 26. Election laws.-Laws shall be passed regulating elections, and prohibiting under adequate penalties, all undue influence thereon from power, bribbery, tumult or other improper practice.

SECTION 27. Election, duties and compen-sation of state and county officers.-The Legis-lature shall provide for the election by the people or appointment by the Governor of all State and county officers not otherwise pro-vided for by this Constitution, and fix by law their duties and compensation.

SECTION 28. Executive approval of acts; veto; overriding veto.- Every l;>ill that may have passed the Legislature shall, before be-coming a law, be presented to the Governor; if he approves it he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it with his objections to the House in which it originated, which House shall cause such objections to be entered upon its Journal, and proceed to reconsider it; if, after such reconsideration, it shall pass both Houses by a two-thirds vote of members present, which vote shall be entered on· the Journal of each House, it shall become a law. If any bill shall not be returned within five days after it shall have been presented to the Governor, (Sunday excepted) the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it. If the Legisla-ture, by its final adjournment prevent such action, such bill shall be a law, unless the Governor within ten days after the adjourn-ment, shall file such bill, with his objections thereto, in the office of the Secretary of State, who shall lay the same before the Legislature

, at its next session, and if the same shall re-ceive two-thirds of the votes present it shall become a law.

SECTION 29. Impeachment of officers.-The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment; but a vote of two-thirds of all members present shall be required to impeach any officer; and all impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. When sitting for that purpose the senators shall be upon oath or affirmation, and no person shall be con-victed without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senate present. The Senate may adjourn to a fixed for the trial of any impeach-ment, and may sit for the purpose of such trial whether the House of Representatives be in session or not, but the time fixed for such trial shall not be more than six months from the time articles of impeachment shall be pre-ferred by the House of Representatives. The Chief Justice shall preside at all trials by impeachment except in the trial of the Chief Justice, when the Governor shall preside. The Governor, Administrative officers of the Execu-tive Department, Justices of the Supreme Court, and Judges of the Circuit Court shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office, but judgment in such cases shall extend only to removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust or profit under the State; but' the party convicted or acquitted shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial and punishment according to law.

SECTION 30. Appropriation bills.- Laws making appropriations for the salaries of pub-lic officers and other current expenses of the State shall contain provisions on no o t h e r subject.

SECTION 31. United States senators.-The Legislature shall elect United States Senators in the manner prescribed by the Congress of the United States and by this Constitution.

cf.-17th Am E'ndment to U. S. Constitution. §§106.01, 106.02 Election of U. S . Senators.

SECTION 32. Crimes, effect of repeal or amendment of law.-The repeal or amendment of any Criminal Statute shall not effect the prosecution or punishment of any crime com-mitted before such repeal or amendment.

SECTION 33. Limitations, reducing time.-N o statute shall be passed lessening the time within which a civil action may be commenced on any cause of action existing at the time of its passage.

SECTION 34. Impeached officers; effect of impeachment.-Immediately upon the impeach-ment of any officer by the House of Representa-tives, he shall be disqualified from performing any of the duties of his office until acquited by the Senate, and the Governor in such case shall at once appoint an incumbent to fill such office pending the impeachment proceedings. In case of the impeachment of the Governor, the President of the Senate, or in case of the

9 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ART. IV

death, resignation or inability of the Presi-dent of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall act as Governor pend-

ing the impeachment proceedings against the Governor.

Hlstory.-Added, J".R . 3, 1897; a dopted 1898.

ARTICLE IV

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Sec. 1. Governor, chief executive. 2. Election and term of governor. 3. Eligibility of governor. 4. Commander-in-chief of militia. 5. Duties of governor. 6. Execution of laws. 7. Vacancies in office; appointments. 8. Convening legislature in extra session. 9. Governor's message to legislature.

10. When governor may adjourn legislature. 11. Reprieves; suspension of fines ; etc. 12. Pardon board. 13. Obtaining opinion of justices. 14. Grants and commissions. 15. Removal or suspension of officers. 16. Appointment of officers or militia.

SECTION 1. Governor, chief executive.-The Supreme Executive power of the State shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, who shall be styled the Governor of Florida.

SECTION 2. Election and term of governor. -The Governor shall be elected by the quali-fied electors of the State at the time and places of voting for members of the Legislature, and sha ll hold his office for four years from the time of his installation, but shall not be eligible for re-election to said office the next succeed-ing term; Provided, That the first election for Governor under this Constitution shall be had at the time and places of voting for members of the Legislature and State officers, A. D. 1888, and the term of office of the Governor then elected shall begin on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January after his election.

SECTION 3. Eligibility of governor.- No person shall be eligible to the office of Governor who is not a qualified elector, and who has not been ten years a citizen of the United States, and five yea rs a citizen and resident of the State of Florida, next preceding the time of his election; Provided, that t h e s e limitations of time shall not apply to the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House of Representatives when, under this Constitu-tion, the powers and duties of Governor shall devolve upon them.

SECTION 4. Commander-in-chief of militia. -The Governor shall be commander in Chief of the military forces of the State, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States.

SECTION 5. Duties of governor.-The Gov-ernor shall transact all Executive business with the officers of the Government, civil and mili-tary, and may require information in writing from the administrative officers of the Execu-

Sec. 17: Board of commissioners of state institutions. 18. Veto of appropriations. 19. Impeachment, death, resignation, etc., of

governor; who to act. 20. Governor's cabinet. 21. Se.cretary of state, duties, etc. 22. Attorney general, duties, etc. 23. Comptroller, duties, etc. 24. Treasurer, duties, etc. 25. Superintendent of public instruction, duties,

etc. 26. Commissioner of agriculture, duties, etc. 27. Reports of cabinet officers. 28. Installation of cabinet officers. 29 . Salaries of cabinet officers. 30. Game and fresh water fish commission;

powers, duties, etc.

tive Department upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.

SECTION 6. Execution of laws. The Gov-ernor shall take care that the laws be faith-fully executed.

SECTION 7. Vacancies in office; appoint-ments.-When any office, from any cause, shall become vacant, and no mode is provided by this Constitution or by the laws of the State for filling such vacancy, the Governor shall have the power to fill such vacancy by grant-ing a commission for the unexpired term.

SECTION 8. Convening legislature in extra session.-The Governor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Legislature by procla-mation, and shall in his proclamation state the purpose for which it is to be convened, and the Legislature when organized shall transact no legislative business other than that for which it is especially convened, or such other legislative business as the Governor may call to its attention while in session, except by a two-thirds vote of each House.

SECTION 9. Governor's message to legisla-ture. -The Governor shall communicate by message to the Legislature at each regular ses-sion information concerning the condition of the State, and recommend such measures as he may deem expedient.

SECTION 10. When governor may adjourn legislature.-In case of a disagreement between the two Houses with respect to the time of ad-journment, the Governor shall have power to adjourn the Legislature to such time as he may think proper, provided it be not beyond the time fixed for the meeting of the next Legislature.

SECTION 11. Reprieves; suspension of fines; etc.-The Governor shall have power to suspend the collection of fines and forfeitures, and

ART. IV CONSTITUTION OF .THE STATE OF FLORIDA 10

grant reprieves for a period not exceeding sixty days, for all offenses, except in .cases of impeachment. In cases of conviction for treason he shi:dl have power to suspend the execution of sentence until the case shall be reported to the Legislature at its next session, when the Legislature shall either pardon, direct the execution of the sentence, or grant a further reprieve; and if the Legislature shall fail or refuse to make disposition of such case, the sentence shall be enforced at such time and place as the Governor may direct. He shall communicate to the Legislature, at the beginning of every session, every ca,se of fine or forfeiture remitted, or reprieve, pardon or commutation granted, stating the name of the convict, the crime for which he was convicted, the sentence, its date, and the date of its remis-sion, commutation, pardon or reprieve.

SECTION 12. Pardon board.-The Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Attorney Gen-eral and Commissioner of Agriculture or a major part of them, of whom the Governor shall be one, may upon such conditions, and with such limitations and restrictions as they may deem proper, remit fines and forfeitures, commute punishment and grant pardon after convic-tion, in all cases except treason and impeach-ment subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law relative to the manner of

· applying for pardons. History.-Am. J .R. 3, 1895 ; adopted 1896. c f.-§32, Art. X VI, Florida Con s titution .

· SECTION 13. Obtaining opinion of justices. -The Governor may, at any time, require the opinion of the Justices of the Supreme Court, as to the interpretation of any portion of this

. Constitution upon any question affecting his . Executive powers and duties, and the Justices shall render such opinion in writing.

SECTION 14. Grants and commissions.-All grants and commissions shall be in the name and under the authority of the State of Florida,

. sealed with the great seal of the State, signed by the Governor, and countersigned by the Secretary of State.

SECTION 15. Removal or suspension of of-ficers.-All officers that shall have been ap-pointed or elected, and that are not liable to impeachment, may be suspended from office by the Governor for malfeasance, or misfeasance, or neglect of duty in office, for the commission of any felony, or for drunkenness or incompe-tency, and the cause of suspension shall be com-municated to the officer suspended and to the Senate at its next session. And the Governor, by and with the consent of the Senate, may re-move any officer, not liable to impeachment, for any cause above named. Every suspension shall continue until the adjournment of the next ses-sion of the Senate, unless the officer suspended shall, upon the recommendation of the Gov-ernor, be removed; but the Governor may re-instate the officer so suspended upon satisfac-

tory evidence that the charge or charges against him are untrue. If the Senate shall refuse to remove, or fail to take action before its adjournment, the officer suspended shall resume the duties of the office. The Governor

· shall have power to fill by appointment any office, the incumbent of which has been sus-pended. No officer suspended who shall under this section resume the duties of his office, shall suffer any loss of salary or other com-pensation in consequence of such suspension. The suspension or removal herein authorized shall not relieve the officer from indictment for any misdemeanor in office.

SECTION 16. Appointment of officers of militia.-The Governor shall appoint all com-missioned officers of the State Militia, including an adjutant general for the State, with the rank of brigadier general, who shall be chief of staff. The duties and compensation of all officers so appointed shall be as fixed by law. The terms of office of all commissioned officers of the organized militia shall be continuous during the pleasure of the Governor; subject to such laws as may be enacted by the Legisla-ture providing for their retirement for age or other causes.

19~~story.-Am. com. sub. for H.J.R. 281, 1913 ; adopted cf.-Art. X IV, F lorida Constitu t ion .

SECTION 17. Board of commissioners of state institutions.-The Governor and the ad-ministrative officers of the Executive Depart-ment shall constitute a Board of Commissioners of State Institutions, which Board shall have supervision of all matters connected with such institutions in such manner as shall be prescribed by law .

SECTION 18. Veto of appropriations.-The Governor shall have power to disapprove of any item or items of any bills making appropriations of money embracing distinct items, and the part or parts of the bill approved shall be the law, and the item or items of appropriation disap-proved shall be void, unless repassed accord-ing to the rules and limitations prescribed· for the passage of other bills over the Executive veto.

SECTION 19. Impeachment, death, resigna-tion, etc., of governor; who to act.-In case of the impeachment of the Governor, his removal from office, death, resignation or inability to discharge his official duties, the powers and duties of Governor shall devolve upon the Presi-dent of the Senate for the residue of the term, or until the disability shall cease; and in case of the impeachment, removal from office, death, resignation or inability of the of the President of the Senate, the powers and duties of the office shall devolve upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives. But should there be a general election for members of the Legislature during such vacancy, an election for Governor to fill the same shall be had at the same time.

11 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ART. IV

SECTION 20. Governor's cabinet.-The Gov-ernor shall be assisted by administrative offi-cers as follows: A Secretary of State, Attorney-General, Comptroller, Treasurer, Superintend-ent of Public Instruction, and Commissioner of Agriculture, who shall be elected at the same time as the Governor, and shall hold their offices for the same term; Provided, That the first election of such officers shall be had at the time of voting for Governor A. D. 1888.

SECTION 21. Secretary of state, duties, etc. -The Secretary of State shall keep the records of official acts of the Legislative and Executive Departments of the Government, and shall, when required, lay the same, and all matters relative thereto, before either branch of the Legislature; and shall be the custodian of the Great Seal of the State. He shall also have charge of the Capitol building and grounds, and perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by law.

SECTION 22. Attorney general, duties, etc. -The Attorney-General shall be the legal ad-visor of the Governor, and of each of the officers of the Executive Department, and shall perform such other legal duties as may be prescribed by law. He shall be Reporter for the Supreme Court.

SECTION 23. Comptroller, duties, etc.-,-The Comptroller shall examine, audit, adjust and settle the accounts of all officers of the State and perform such other as may be prescribed by law.

SECTION 24. Treasurer, duties, etc.-The Treasurer shall receive and keep all funds, bonds, and other securities, in such manner as may be prescribed by law, and shall dis-burse no funds, nor issue bonds, or other securities, except upon the order of the Comp-troller, countersigned by the Governor, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.

SECTION 25. Superintendent of public in-struction, duties, etc.-The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall have supervision of all matters pertaining to public instruction; the supervision of State buildings devoted to educational purposes, and perform such other duties as the Legislature may provide by law.

SECTION 26. Commissioner of agriculture, duties, etc.-The Commissioner of Agriculture shall perform such duties in relation to agri· culture as may be prescribed by law; shall have supervision of all matters pertaining to the public lands under regulations prescribed by law, and shall keep the Bureau of Immi-gration. He shall also have supervision of the State Prison, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law.

SECTION 27. Reports of cabinet officers.-Each officer of this Department shall make a full report of his official acts, of the re-ceipts and expenditures of his office, and the requirements of the same, to the Governor at the beginning of each regular session of

the Legislature, or whenever the Governor shall require it. Such reports shall be laid before the Legislature by the Governor at the begin-ning of each regular session thereof. Either House of the Legislature may at any time call upon any officer of this Department for informa-tion required by it.

SECTION 28. Installation of cabinet officers. -The administrative officers of the Executive Department shall be installed on the same day as the Governor.

SECTION 29. Salaries of cabinet officers.-The salary of the Governor of the State shall be thirty-five hundred dollars a year, of the Comptroller two thousand dollars a year, of the State treasurer two thousand dollars, of the Sec-retary of State fifteen hundred dollars, of the Attorney General fifteen hundred dollars, of the Commissioner of Agriculture fifteen hun-dred dollars, of the Superintendent of Public Instruction fifteen hundred dollars, a year; Provided, That no administrative officer of the Executive Department shall receive any addi-tional compensation beyond his salary for any service or services rendered the State in con-nection with the Internal Improvement fund or other interests belonging to the State of Florida; Provided, further, That the Legislature may after eight years from the adoption of this Constitution increase or decrease any or all of said salaries.

SECTION 30. Game and fresh water fish commission; powers, duties, etc.-

(1) From and after January 1, 1943, the management, restoration, conservation, and regulation, of the birds, game, fur-bearing ani-mals, and fresh-water fish, of the State of Florida, and the acquisition, establishment, control, and management, of hatcheries, sanc-tuaries, refuges, reservations, and all other property now ol' hereafter owned or used for such purposes by the State of Florida, shall be vested in a Commission to be known as the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Such Commission shall consist of five members, one from each congressional district, as existing on January 1, 1941, who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to · confirmation by the Senate. The members so appointed shall an-nually select one of their members as Chairman of the Commission.

(2) The first members of the Commission shall be appointed on January 1, 1943, and shall serve respectively for one, two, three, four, and five years. At the expiration of each of such terms, a successor shall be appointed to serve for a term of five years.

(3) The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their services as such, but each Commissioner shall receive his necessary traveling or other expenses incurred while engaged in the discharge of his official duties, but such shall not exceed the sum of $600.00 in any one year.

(4) Among the powers granted to the Com-mission by this section shall be the power to fix

ART. V CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA 12

bag limits and to fix open and closed seasons, on a state-wide, regional or local basis, as it may find to be appropriate, and to regulate the manner and method of taking, transporting, storing and using birds, game, fur-bearing ani-mals, fresh-water fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The Commission shall also have the power to acquire by purchase, gift, all property neces-sary, useful, or convenient, for the use of the Commission in the exercise of its powers here-under.

(5) The Commission shall appoint, fix the salary of, and at pleasure remove, a suitable person, as Director, and such Director shall have such powers and duties as may be pre-scribed by the Commission in pursuance of its duties under this section. Such Director shall, subject to the approval of the Commission, ap-point, fix the salaries of, and at pleasure re-move, assistants, and other employees who shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned to them by the Commission or the Director. No Commissioner shall be eligible for any such appointment or employment.

(6) The funds resulting from the operation of the Commission and from the administration of the laws and regulations pertaining to birds, game, fur-bearing animals, fresh-water fish, reptiles, and amphibians, together with any other funds specifically provided for such pur-pose shall constitute the State Game Fund and shall be used by the Commission as it shall deem fit in carrying out the provisions hereof and for no other purposes. The Commission may not obligate itself beyond the current re-sources of the State Game Fund unless speci-fically so authorized by the Legislature.

(7) The Legislature may enact any laws in aid of, but not inconsistent with, the provisions of this amendment, and all existing laws incon-sistent herewith shall no longer remain in force and effect. All laws fixing pellalties for the violation of the provisions of this amendment and all laws imposing license taxes, shall be enacted by the legislature from time to time.

Hlstory.-Added, com. sub. for S.J.R. 28, 1941; adopted 1942.

ARTICLE V.

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.

Sec. 1. Courts. 2. Supreme court; election of judges; term. 3. Judges; qualifications. 4. Supreme court; quorum, divisions. 5. Jurisdiction of supreme court. 6. Circuit judges as substitute justices. 7. Clerk of supreme court. 8. Circuit judges and judicial circuits. 9. Salaries.

10. Composition of judicial circuits. 11. Jurisdiction of circuit courts. 12. Extra territorial jurisdiction of circuit courts. 13 . Recommendation to attorney general. 14. Court commissioners. 15. State attorney; sheriff; clerk of the circuit

court ; terms. · 16. County judges. 17. Jurisdiction of county judges. 18. County courts. 19. Judges ad litem. 20. Referees. 21. Justice districts and justices of the peace. 22. Jurisdiction of justices of the peace. 23. Constables. 24. Criminal courts of record. 25. Jurisdiction of criminal courts of record. 26. Terms of criminal courts of record. 27. Prosecuting attorney; term. 28. Indictment and information. 29. Criminal courts of record supersede criminal

jurisdiction of county courts.

SECTION 1. Courts.- The judicial power of the State shall be vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, Court of Record of Escambia County, Criminal Courts, County Courts, County Judges and Justices of the Peace and such other Courts or Commissions as the Legisla-ture may from time to time ordain and estab-lish. The Legislature may prescribe the compen-sation of the Justices and judges of the sev-

Sec. 30. Clerk of criminal court of record. 31. State attorney eligible for appointment as

county solicitor. 32. Criminal courts of record may be abolished

by legislature. 33. Vacancies in office of judge; how filled. 34. Municipal courts. 35. No other courts to be established. 36. Judicial officers as conservators of the peace. 37. Style of process. 38. Number of jurors. 39. Court of record in and for Escambia county. 40. Supreme court to have appellate jurisdic-

tion of all causes before court of record. 41. Laws and provisions pertaining to criminal

court of record apply to court of record. 42. Additional judge of the circuit court of

Duval county. 43. Legislature may provide for additional cir-

cuit judges. 44. Chief justice of the supreme court; selec-

tion ; term. 45. Number of judicial circuits and circuit

judges. 46. Circuit judges, election, terms, etc. 47. State attorneys, county solicitors, judges of

criminal courts of record, etc.; election, term of office, etc.

48. Judge of court of record for Escambia county; election, term of office, vacancy, etc.

49. Eligibility of retired judge to serve on bench.

eral courts, but no court heretofore established under the Constitution and laws of Florida shall be hereby abolished.

History.-Am. J .R. 547, 1913; adopted 1914.

SECTION 2. Supreme court; election of judges; terrn.-(a) The Supreme Court shall consist of seven (7) Justices and the term of office of each Justice shall be six years; no

13 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ART. V

term of any incumbent shall be affected by this amendment.

(b) Each Justice of the Supreme Court shall be electE-d by thE> qualified electors of the State at the time and places of voting for members of the legislature, at the general election next preceding the expiration of each t-€rm of such office.

(c) In the event of the ratification of this amendment it shall thereupon be the duty of the then Governor to appoint one additional Justice of the Supreme Court and he shall hold office from the date of his appointment until Tuesday after the first Monday in ·January, 1943, and his successor shall be elected at. the general election in 1942 to hold office for a term of six years beginning Tuesday after the first Monday in January, 1943.

(d) The successors of the Justices of the Supreme Court shall be elected at the general election next preceding the expiration of their respective terms of office, but in event of a vacancy in office of any Justice and there be an unexpired term the successor shall be elected for the balance of the unexpired term.

History.-Am. H.J.R. 54, 1939; adopted 1940.

SECTION 3. Judges; qualifications. - No person shall ever be appointed or elected as a Justice of the Supreme Court, or Judge of a Circuit Court, or Crimipal Court that is not twenty five years of age and an attorney at law.

SECTION 4. Supreme court; quorum; divi-sions.-(a) The Supreme Court may hear, con-sider and determine cases and exercise all its powers and jurisdiction as a single body in which case a majority of the members of the Court shall constitute a quorum for the dis-patch of business; or it may exercise its powers and jurisdiction in divisions.

(b) The Circuit Judges shall at all times be subject to call to the Supreme Court by that Court or the Chief Justice thereof, and during the call shall be members thereof as associate justices to act in place of any absent, dis-qualified or disabled justice or for assignment to a division, but no division shall include more than one circuit judge. A division shall consist of three members of said court ex-clusive of the Chief Justice, and the judgment of a division concurred in by the Chief Justice shall be the judgment of the Court unless such case involves (1) capital punishment, or (2) the determination of a State or Federal consti-tutional question wherein shall be brought into controversy the constitutionality of a Federal or State Statute, rule, regulation or municipal ordinance, or (3) there be a dissent to the proposed judgment of a division by a member thereof or the Chief Justice, or (4) ordered by the Chief Justice to be con!'!idered by two divisions; whereupon it shall require the consideration of two divisions and the Chief Justice.

(c) The Chief Justice shall be the chief ad-ministrative officer of the Court and responsi-

ble for the dispatch of business and procuring consistent decisions; he shall not be required to examine the record of a cause but may accept the conclusions of fact found by a divi-sion and stated in the opinion or accompanying statement and act upon the law so stated and discussed and its application to such fact, but in event of an equal division be-tween those members properly considering a cause, he shall examine the record and partici-pate therein as other justices. In the event the Chief Justice be unable to act for any cause the Justice longest in continuous service and able to act shall act instead with like effect.

History.-Am. H.J.R. 54, 1939; adopted 1940.

SECTION 5. Jurisdiction of supreme court. -The Supreme Court shall have appellate juris-diction in all cases at law and in equity origi-nating in Circuit Courts, and of appeals from the Circuit Courts in cases arising before Judges of the County Courts in matters pertaining to their probate jurisdiction and in the manage-ment of the estates of infants, and in cases of conviction of felony in the criminal courts, and in all criminal cases originating in the Circuit Courts. The Court shall have the power to issue writs of mandamus, certiorari, prohibition, quo warranto, habeas corpus, and also all writs necessary or proper to the com-plete exercise of its jurisdiction. Each of the Justices shall have power to issue writs of habeas corpus to any part of the State upon petition by or on behalf of any person held in actual custody, and may make such writs returnable before himself or the Supreme Court, or any Justice thereof, or before any Circuit Judge.

SECTION 6. Circuit judges as substitute judges.-The legislature shall have power to prescribe regulations for calling into the Su-preme Court a Judge of the Circuit Court, to hear and determine any matters pending be-fore the Court in the place of any Justice thereof that shall be disqualified or disabled in such case from interest or other cause.

cf.-·§4(b), Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 7. Clerk of supreme court.-The Supreme Court shall appoint a Clerk who shall have his office at the Capital and shall be Librarian of the Supreme Court Library.

SECTION 8. Circuit judges and judicial cir-mits.-There shall be eight Circuit Judges, who shall be apointed by the Governor and con-firmed by the Senate and who shall hold their office for six years.

The State shall be divided, by the Legislature, at its first regular session, after the adoption of this section into eight Judicial Circuits and one Judge shall be assigned to each Circuit. such Judge shall hold at least two terms of his Court in each County within his Circuit every year, and, at such times and places as shall be prescribed by law. and may hold spe-cial terms.

ART. V CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA 14

The Governor may in his discretion order a temporary exchange of Circuits by the respec-tive Judges or order any Judge to hold one or more terms or part or parts of any term in any other Circuit than that to which he is assigned. The Judge shall reside in the Cir-cuit of which he is Judge.

This Section shall not be operative until the Legislature shall have divided this State into eight Circuits, as hereinbefore provided for: and the Seven Circuit Judges holding office at the time of such division shall continue to exercise Jurisdiction over their several exist-ing Circuits as constituted at the time of such division, until the Judge of the additional Cir-cuit shall have qualified. The Circuit Judges holding office at the time of such division shall severally continue in office until the expira-tion of their then existing term of office as Judges of the Circuits respectively in which under such division the county of his resi-dence may be included: and a Judge for the additional Circuit shall be appointed for a term equal to the unexpired term of the other Circuit Judges upon such division being made. The salary of each circuit Judge shall be Two Thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.

History.-Am . .T.R. 2, 1901; adopted 1902. cf.-§§9, . 42, 43, 45, Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 9. Salaries.- The salary of the Justices of the Supreme Court shall be three thousand dollars a year. The salary of each Circuit Judge shall be two thousand five hun-dred dollars a year.

cf.-§1, Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 10. Composition of judicial cir-cuits.-Until otherwise defined by the Legisla-ture the several Judicial Circuits of the State shall be as follows:

The First Judicial Circuit shall be composed of the counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Wal-ton, Holmes, Washington and Jackson.

The Second Judicial Circuit shall be com-posed of the counties of Gadsden, Liberty, Cal-houn, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla and Jefferson.

The Third Judicial Circuit shall be composed of the counties of Madison, Taylor, Lafayette, Hamilton, Suwannee and Columbia.

The Fourth Judicial Circuit shall be com-posed of the counties of Nassau, Duval, Baker, Bradford, Clay and St. Johns.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit shall be composed of the counties of Putnam, Alachua, Levy, Marion and Sumter.

The Sixth Judicial Circuit shall be composed of the counties of Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk and Monroe.

The Seventh Judicial Circuit shall be com-posed of the counties of Volusia, Brevard, Orange and Dade.

cf.- §45, Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 11. Jurisdiction of circuit courts. -The Circuit Courts shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in all cases in equity, also in all cases at law, not cognizable by

inferior courts, and in all cases involving the legality of any tax, assessment, or toll· of the action of ejectment and of all action; in-volving the titles or boundaries of real estate ~nd ?f all criminal cases not cognizable by mfer10r courts; and original jurisdiction of actions of forcible entry and unlawful de-tainer, and of such other matters as the Legislature may provide. They shall have final appellate jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases arising in the County Court, or before the County Judge, of all misdemeanors tried in Criminal Courts, of judgments or sentences of any Mayor's Court, and of all cases arising before Justices of the Peace in counties in which there is no County Court; and supervis-sion and appellate jurisdiction of matters aris-ing before County Judges pertaining to their probat€ jurisdiction, or to the estates and interests of minors, and of such other matters as the Legislature may provide. The Circuit Courts and Judges shall have power to issue writs of mandamus, injunction, quo warrantv. certiorari, prohibition, habeas corpus and all writs proper and necessary to the complete exercise of their jurisdiction.

SECTION 12. Extra territorial jurisdiction of circuit courts.-The Circuit Courts and Cir-cuit Judges may have such extra territorial juris-diction in chancery cases as may be prescribed by law.

SECTION 13. Recommendation to attorney general.-It shall be the duty of the Judges of the Circuit Courts to report to the Attorney General at least thirty days before each session of the Legislature such defects in the laws as may have been brought to their attention, and to suggest such amendments or additional Legislation as may be deemed necessary. The Attorney General shall report to the Legislature at each session such legislation as he may deem advisable.

SECTION 14. Court commissioners.-A Cir-cuit Judge may appoint in each county in his Circuit one or more attorneys at law, to be Court Commissioners, who shall have power in the absence from · the county of the Circuit Judge, to allow writs of injunction and to issue writs of habeas corpus, returnable before himself or the Circuit Judge. Their orders in such matters may be reviewed by the Circuit Judge, and confirmed, qualified or vacated. They may be removed by the Circuit Judge. The Legislature may confer upon them further powers, not judicial, and shall fix their com-pensation.

SECTION 15. State attorney; sheriff; clerk of the circuit court; terms.-The Governor, by and with the consent of the Senate, shall ap-point a State Attorney in each Judicial Circuit, whose duties shall · be prescribed by law, and who shall hold office for four years. There shall be elected in each county a Sheriff, and a Clerk of the Circuit Court, who shall also be Clerk of the County Court, except in counties

15 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ART. V

where there are Criminal Courts, and of the Board of County Commissioners, and Recorder and ex-officio Auditor of the County, each of whom shall hold office for four years. Their duties shall be prescribed by law.

SECTION 16. County judges.-There shall be in each county a County Judge who shall be elected by the qualified electors of said county at the time and places of voting for other county officers and shall hold his office for four years. His compensation shall be pro-vided for by law.

SECTION 17. Jurisdiction of county judges. -The County Judge shall have original juris-diction in all cases at law in which the de-mand or value or property involved shall not exceed one hundred dollars; of proceedings relating to the forcible entry or unlawful detention of lands and tenements; and of such criJ?inal cases as the Legislature may pre-scnbe. The County Judge shall have jurisdic-tion of the settlement of the estate of decedents and minors, to order the sale of real estate of decedents and minors, to take probate of wills, to grant letters testamentary and of adminis-tration and guardianship, and to discharge the duties usually pertaining to courts of probate. He .shall have the power of a committing Magistrate and shall issue all licenses required by law to be issued in the county.

SECTION 18. County courts.-The Legisla-tu:e may organize in such counties, as it may thmk proper, County Courts which shall have jurisdiction of all cases at law in which the demand or value of the property involved shall not exceed five hundred dollars; of proceed-ings relating to the forcible entry or unlaw-ful detention of lands and tenements and of misdemeanors, and final appellate Jurisdic-tion in civil cases arising in the Courts of Justices of the Peace. The trial of such ap-peals may be de nova at the option of appellant. The County Judge shall be the Judge of said Court. There shall be elected by the qualified electors of said county at the time when the said Judge is elected · a Prosecuting Attorney for said county, who shall hold office for four years. His duties and compensation shall be prescribed by law. Such Courts may be abolished at the pleasure of the Legislature.

cf.-§29, Art. v. Florida Constitution. SECTION 19. Judges ad litem.-When any

civil case at law in which the Judge is dis-qualified shall be called for trial in a Circuit or County Court, the parties may agree upon an attorney at law, who shall be Judge ad litem, and shall preside over the trial of and make orders in said cause as if he were Judge of the Court. The parties may, however, transfer the cause to another Circuit Court or County Court, as the case may be, or may have the case submitted to a referee.

SECTION 20. Referees.- Any civil cause may be tried before a practicing attorney as referee upon the application of the parties

and an order from the court in whose juris-diction the case may be, authorizing such trial and appointing such referee. The referee shall keep a complete record of the case, including the evidence taken, and such record shall be filed with the papers in the case in the office of the Clerk; and the cause shall be subject to an appeal in the manner prescribed by law.

SECTION 21. Justice districts and justices of the peace.-There shall be not more than five Justice Districts in each county, and there shall be elected one Justice of the Peace for each Justice District, who shall hold office for four years. Existing Justice Districts are here-by recognized, but the Legislature may, by spe-cial Act, from time to time change the bounda-ries of any such District now or hereafter estab-lished, and may establish new or abolish any such District now or hereafter existing. Pro-vided however that any such changes shall be submitted to the people of any county so af-fected, by referendum at the next ensuing gen-eral election.

Hlstory.-Am. S.J.R. 419, 1943; adopted 1944.

SECTION 22. Jurisdiction of justices of the peace.-The Justices of the Peace shall have jurisdiction in cases at law in which the de-mand or value of the property involved does not exceed $100.00, and in which the cause of action accrued or the defendant resides in his district; and in such criminal cases, except felonies as may be prescribed by 1aw, and he. shall have power to issue process for the arrest of all persons charged with felonies and misde-meanors not within his jurisdiction to try, and make the same returnable before himself or the county judge for examination, discharge, commitment or bail of the accused. Justices of the Peace shall have the power to hold inquests of the dead. Appeal from Justices of the Peace Courts in criminal cases may be tried de novo under such regulations as the Legislature may prescribe.

Hlstory.-Am. J.R. 4, 1895; adopted 1896.

SECTION 23. Constables. - A Constable shall be elected by the registered voters in each Justice's district, who shall perform such duties, and under such regulations as may be prescribed by law.

SECTION 24. Criminal courts of record.-There shall be established in the county of Escambia, and upon application of a majority of the registered voters in such other counties as the Legislature may deem expedient, a Crimi-nal Court of Record, and there shall be one Judge for each of the said courts, who shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, who shall hold his office for four years, and whose salary shall be one thousand dollars a year, the counties paying the salaries.

cf.-§§39-41, Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 25. Jurisdiction of criminal courts of record.-The said Courts shall have juris-

ART. V CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA 16

diction of all criminal cases not capital which shall arise in said counties respectively.

SECTION 26. Terms of criminal courts of record.-There shall be six terms of said courts in each year.

SECTION 27. Prosecuting attorney; term.-There shall be for each of said Courts a prose-cuting Attorney, who shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, and who shall hold his office for four years. His compensation shall be fixed by law.

SECTION 28. Indictment and information~ --All offences triable in said Court shall be prose-cuted upon information under oath, to be filed by the prosecuting attorney, but the grand jury of the Circuit Court for the county in which said Criminal Court is held may indict for offenses triable in the Criminal Court. Upon the finding of such indictment the Circuit Judge shall com-mit or bail the accused for trial in the Criminal Court, which trial shall be upon information.

cf.-§10, Declaration of Rights.

SECTION 29. Criminal courts of record su-persede criminal jurisdiction of county courts. -The County Courts in counties where such Criminal Courts are established shall have no criminal jurisdiction and no prosecuting At-torney.

SECTION 30. Clerk of criminal court of record.-The, Clerk of said Court shall be elect-ed by the electors of the county in which the Court is held and shall hold office for four years, and his compensation shall be fixed by law. He shall also be Clerk of the County Court. The Sheriff of the County shall be the executive of-ficer of said Court, and his duties and fees shall be fixed by law.

SECTION 31. State attorney eligible for ap-pointment as county solicitor.-The State At-torney residing in the county where such Court is held shall be eligible for appointment as County Solicitor for said county.

SECTION 32. Criminal courts of record may be abolished by legislature.-Such courts may be abolished by the Legislature.

SECTION 33. Vacancies in office of judge; how filled.-When the office of any Judge shall become vacant from any cause, the successor to fill such vacancy shall be appointed or eleet · ed only for the unexpired term of the Judge whose death, resignation, retirement, or other cause created such vacancy.

SECTION 34. Municipal courts.-The L~gislature may establish in incorporated towns and cities, courts for the punishment of offences agai_nst municipal ordinances.

SECTION 35. No other courts to be estab-Jished.-No courts other than herein specified shall be established in this State, except that the Legislature may provide for the creation and establishment of such additional Judicial Circuits as may from time to time become

necessary, and for the appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate of ad-ditional Circuit Judges therefor, whose terms of office and general jurisdiction shall be the same as is herein provided for the Circuit Judges herein already provided for, and may clothe any railroad commission with judicial powers in all matters connected with the func-tion of their office.

History.-Am . .J.R. 3, 1909; adopted 1910. cf.-§§1 and 45, Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 36. Judicial officers as conserva-tors of the peace.-All judicial officers in this State shall be conservators of the peace.

SECTION 37. Style of process.-The style of all process shall be "The State of Florida" and all prosecutions shall be conducted in the name and by the authority of the State.

SECTION 38. Number of jurors.-The num-ber of jurors for trial of causes in any court may be fixed by law but shall not be less than six in any case. ·

SECTION 39. Court of record in and for Escarnbia county.-From and after the adop-tion of these amendments the criminal court of record in and for Escambia County shall be known as the court of record in and for said county, and, in addition to their present jurisdiction, the said court and the judge thereof shall have in Escambia county, con-current with the circuit court of said county and the judge thereof, the same original juris-diction of all other cases and matters and the same power and authority to issue all writs as the circuit court of said county and the judge thereof, excepting capital cases and the power to summon and empanel a grand jury. The same rules of procedure and prac-tice and rights of trial by judges ad litem and referees which obtain in said circuit court shall obtain in said court of record. The Governor, may, in his discretion, order any one of the circuit judges of the State to hold one or more terms or parts of terms of said eourt of record.

History.-Added , .J.R. 2, 1909 ; adopted 1910.

SECTION 40. Supreme court to have appel-late jurisdiction of all causes before court of record.- The supreme court of the State shall have appellate jurisdiction in all causes of which jurisdiction is granted to said court of r ecord. Appeals and writs of error shall be prosecuted from the said court of record to the supreme cou rt in accordance with the laws and rules governing such proceedings from the circuit court to the supreme court.

Hlstory.-Added, .J.R. 2, 1909; adopted 1910.

SECTION 41. Laws and provisions pertain-ing to criminal court of record apply to court of record.--All the provisions of the Consti-tution and all laws enacted in consonance there-with pertaining to the said criminal court of record and the officers thereof including the manner of the appointment or election anfl.

17 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ART. V

the terms of office and compensation of said officers, shall apply with like effect to the said court of record and the officers thereof, ex-cept as provided by these amendments. The present officers of said criminal court of record shall be the officers of said court of record and discharge the duties and receive the emolu-ments of their respective offices until the expiration of their present terms of office. The salary of the judge of said court of record shall be two thousand and five hundred dollars a year, payable quarterly by the county of Escam-bia, and may be increased by the Legislature. From and .after the expiration of the term of office of the present judge, the judge of said court of record shall hold his ·office for four years.

History.-Added, .T.R. 2, 1909 ; adopted 1910.

SECTION 42. Additional judge of the cir-cuit court of Duval county.-There shall be an-other Judge of the Circuit Court of Duval County in addition to the Circuit Judge of the circuit in which said county is situated. Such addi-tional circuit Judge shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, and shall hold office for six ( 6) years, and shall re-ceive the same salary and allowances for ex-penses as other circuit Judges, but the same shall be paid by the County of Duval out of the general revenue of said county. He shall have all the powers and perform all the duties that are or may be provided or prescribed by the Constitution or by statute for Circuit Judges, and all statutes concerning Circuit Judges shall apply to him. The distribution of the business of the Circuit Court of Duval County between the two Circuit Judges and the allotment or assignment of matters and cases to be heard, decided, ordered, tried, de-creed or adjudged shall be controlled or made when necessary by the Judge of said court who shall, have the older commission in force at the time. Such additional Circuit Judge shall reside in Duval County.

History.-Added, .T.R. 257, 1911; adopted 1912.

SECTION 43. Legislature may provide for additional circuit judges.-The Legislature may from time to time and as the business of any Circuit requires, provide for the appointment of one or more additional Circuit Judges for such Circuit. Each such additional Circuit Judge shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, and hold office for Six years, and shall receive the same salary and allowances for expenses as other Circuit Judges. He shall have all the powers and perform all the duties that are or may be provided or prescribed by the Constitution or by statute for Circuit Judges, and all statutes concerning Circuit Judge shall apply to him. Wherever there are two or more Circuit Judges appointed for a Circuit the business may be divided among the Circuit Judge having juris-diction in the Circuit and in any County in the Circuit as may be prescribed by law, and where no provision has been made by law, the

distribution of the business of the Circuit between the Circuit Judges of the Circuit, and of any County in the Circuit, and the allot-ment or assignment of matters and cases to be heard, decided, ordered, tried, decreed or adjudged, shall be controlled or made when necessary by the Circuit Judge holding the commission earliest in date.' No additional Circuit Judge or Judges shall be authorized to be appointed in a Circuit having less than 75,000 inhabitants by the last federal or state census occurring next before the passage of the law for his or their appointment. The Legislature may repeal any law providing for the appointment of an additional Circuit Judge, or additional Circuit Judges for a Circuit, but such repeal shall not affect the term, salary and jurisdiction of a Judge holding an appoint-ment.

Hlstory.-Added, .T.R. 9, 1921; adopted 1922. cf.-§45, Art. V, Florida Constitution.

SECTION 44. Chief justices of the supreme court; selection; term.-The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Florida shall be selected by the Justices thereof at the com-mencement of the first term of the Supreme Court in the year 1927, and every two years thereafter.

History.-Added, S . .T.R. 322, 1925; ·adopted 1926.

SECTION 45. Number of judicial circuits and circuit judges.- (a) There shall be no more than fifteen judicial circuits of the State of Florida to be appropriately designated, num-bered and defined by a suitable law enacted by the Legislature for that purpose in accord-ance with the amendment; Provided that no judicial circuit as defined by law hereunder shall embrace less than fifty thousand in-habitants according to the last preceding State or Federal cens4s; and provided further, that no judicial circuit existing at the time of the ratification of this amendment shall be affect-ed, altered, or abolished, except in the man-ner provided in this amendment for carrying the same into execution, nor shall any exist-ing Circuit Judge or State Attorney be disturbed in the tenure of his office until the expiration of any commission held by him on the date this amendment is ratified.

(b) It shall be the duty of the Legislature at its next regular session after the amend-ment shall have been ratified to pass suitable laws to carry this amendment into effect, and to make effective the reapportionment and re-duction of judicial circuits, and Circuit Judges hereby contemplated.

(c) There shall be one Circuit Judge to each Judicial Circuit but additional Circuit Judges for judicial Circuit may be provided for by law as authorized by Section 43 of Amended Article V of this Constitution, but the total number of Circuit Judges apportioned to any one judicial circuit shall not exceed one Cir-cuit Judge for every fifty thousand inhabitants, or major fraction thereof, after this amendment shall have been put into effect.

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ART. VI CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA 18

(d) In Circuits having more than one Judge the Legislature may designate the place of residence of any such additional Judge or Judges.

(e) The re-Apportionment of Circuits and Judges thereof hereby provided for shall be-come effective sixty days after the act pro-viding for same shall have become a law.

History.-Added, S.J.R. 582, 1933; adopted 1934.

SECTION 46. Circuit judges, election, terms, etc.-Circuit Judges shall hereafter be elected by the qualified electors of their respec-tive judicial circuits as other State and County officials are elected.

The first election of Circuit Judges shall be held at the General Election in 1948 to take office on the first Tuesday after the first Mon-day in January, 1949, for a term of six years.

The terms of all such offices as they shall severally exist at the time of adoption of this Amendment shall be and they are hereby ex-tended to terminate on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January, 1949.

Hlstory.-Added S.J.R. 334, 1941; adopted 1942.

SECTION