The proposed bill establishes new residency requirements for certain public officers and employees in Florida, mandating that they be United States citizens and residents of the state. Specifically, effective October 1, 2025, members of commissions, licensing boards, and other appointed state officials must reside in Florida, with some required to live within a specific county or within 30 miles of their department headquarters. Additionally, starting January 6, 2027, members of state university boards of trustees and the Board of Governors must also be U.S. citizens and either residents of Florida or graduates of a state university. Failure to meet these residency requirements will result in the automatic vacancy of the respective office.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding political activities of state officers and employees. It narrows the scope of prohibitions on political activities, specifically stating that state officers and employees cannot use their official authority to influence elections or solicit contributions while on duty. New definitions are provided for terms related to political activities, and violations of these provisions are classified as misdemeanors. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "office" in the context of state governance, ensuring that it encompasses positions that exercise governmental authority and are not merely employment roles. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1445 c1: 104.31, 110.233, 1001.71