Plan Would Abolish Lieutenant Governor, Start Efficiency Position

Reps. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) and John Snyder (R-Stuart) recently filed a joint resolution to alter the shape of state government by eliminating the office of lieutenant governor and establishing a Cabinet-level position centered on government efficiency.

Tyler Sirois' and John Snyder's resolution, HJR 1325, would remove the constitutional provision requiring the office of lieutenant governor and, on the flip side, create a cabinet officer initiating a Commissioner of Government Efficiency.

Recently, former Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez resigned to become interim president of Florida International University (FIU), leaving the lieutenant governor position open. The proposal would thus make her former position obsolete.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced a state-level version of Elon Musk's Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE. HJR 1325 would essentially steer the idea into the framework of Florida law.

Under HJR 1325, the Commissioner of Government Efficiency would oversee auditing, investigating, and reporting on instances of fraud, waste, and abuse in the executive branch and local governments, much like Musk's plans at the federal level.

The resolution also calls to repeal the constitutional provision of the Government Efficiency Task Force. A ballot question would also be initiated asking voters to keep or eliminate the office of the commissioner of government efficiency.

Moving forward, the commissioner of government efficiency would be appointed by the legislature in 2027 and become an elected position the following year. A 2044 ballot initiative would allow voters to determine if the office should be kept or abolished in 2046.

If passed, HJR 1325 would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval. Notably, amendments need 60% of voter approval to be enshrined into Florida's constitution.