The Florida Senate Ethics and Elections committee advanced two significant bills this year. SJR 536 and SJR 802, propose amendments to the Florida Constitution to establish lifetime term limits for state legislators and local elected officials.
Senator Blaise Ingoglia is sponsor of SJR 536, a proposal setting a lifetime term limit for state lawmakers. Currently, they are permitted to run for another seat when their term is up. This will cap service at 8-years total. The bill passed Ethics and Elections and is headed to the Judiciary Committee.
SJR 802, also sponsored by Ingoglia, proposes establishing lifetime term limits for members of boards of county commissioners and district school boards. This bill has also advanced in the senate.
“For many years, the people of Florida have spoken loud and clear to say ‘Eight is Great’ when it comes to term limits,” said Nicolas Tomboulides, CEO of U.S. Term Limits. “These term limit proposals reflect the will of the people and will help to prevent the entrenchment of power. By limiting the number of terms served by our elected officials, we are fostering a more responsive and representative government.”
A related bill to SJR 802 was filed in the Florida State House by Representative Michelle Salzman. HJR679 passed the Education Admin Subcommittee, and is now in the State Affairs committee.
Once passed by the Florida legislature, these constitutional amendments will be placed on the ballot for Florida voters to decide if they want to cap the terms of lawmakers, school board members, and county commissioners during the November 3, 2026 general election.