Watch CBS News

State Lawmakers Hold Reorganization Session

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – The new leaders of the Florida House and Senate have convened both houses for a one-day reorganization session in the wake of the most recent election.

All 120 representatives and 40 senators are taking their oaths of office on Tuesday — two weeks after they were elected or re-elected.

Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican, took over the Senate presidency while Rep. Will Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican, took over as House speaker. Both will serve two year terms.

There are two more Democrats in the Senate and five more in the House as the result of the Nov. 6 election, but Republicans remain firmly in charge. They have a 26-14 advantage in the Senate and 76-44 edge in the House.

The election was the first since lawmakers redistricted both chambers as well as Florida's 27 U.S. House seats.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.