Florida House To Take Up New Legislative District Maps

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - The maps that will change the face of Florida politics for the next decade by re-writing Florida legislative and congressional districts are up for votes Friday in the Florida House.

Party-line roll calls are expected Friday with majority Republicans for and Democrats against. They'll then return to the Senate for final action.

The maps have been then subject of intense debate over the last year, because they will determine boundaries for congressional districts, as well as for the the Florida House and Senate districts, in some cases creating new districts and in others putting legislators into politically favorable, or unfavorable, versions of their current district.

The redistricting takes place every ten years, mandated by changes in populations detected in the US Census.

Democrats and other critics contend the maps violate a pair of new state constitutional amendments on redistricting. Republicans deny those claims, insisting the maps comply not only with the amendments but with the federal Voting Rights Act.

The Fair Districts amendments prohibit lawmakers from intentionally drawing districts that favor incumbents and political parties. They also protect minority voting rights and require lines to follow geographic and political boundaries whenever feasible.

The congressional map will go to Gov. Rick Scott once it's passed. The legislative plan would go to the Florida Supreme Court for review.

Court challenges are almost certain, no matter what is passed.