The proposed bill establishes new residency and citizenship requirements for various public officers and employees in Florida, effective October 1, 2026. It mandates that secretaries and executive directors of departments, chief administrative officers of certain state units, members of commissions and licensing boards, and other appointed state officials must be United States citizens and residents of Florida. Additionally, starting January 6, 2027, members of the boards of trustees for state universities and the Board of Governors of the State University System must also meet these criteria. Failure to comply will result in an automatic vacancy of their office.

The bill also amends existing laws related to political activities and travel reimbursements for state officials, prohibiting the use of official authority to solicit political contributions and barring reimbursements for travel between a person's residence and their official headquarters for certain positions. It introduces definitions for terms related to public office and employment, and empowers the Commission on Ethics to investigate lobbyists or principals making prohibited expenditures. Furthermore, the bill modifies the composition of university boards of trustees by removing the state residency requirement for members while emphasizing diversity and regional representation in appointments. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 802 Filed: 112.061, 1001.71