The Attorney General is elected statewide to a four-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that can be served. The requirements to run for the office are that the candidate be a U.S. citizen, a registered voter, at least 30 years of age, a resident of the state for the preceding seven years, and a member of the Florida Bar for the preceding five years.
    The Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer. The powers and duties of the office come from the common law, the State Constitution, and from laws enacted by the Legislature. The Attorney General may represent the state in all legal actions filed against the state, although several state agencies have their own legal staffs. The Attorney General also heads the Department of Legal Affairs which answers inquiries from public agencies including counties and cities concerning questions or interpretations of law. Several hundred opinions are given each year. Although these opinions are not binding, they are often used as the basis for official action.
    HISTORY: Office of Attorney General was created by the 1838 Constitution and was effective with Statehood in 1845. The Attorney General was elected by a joint vote of the houses of the legislature. The 1861 Constitution again provided for election by the joint houses. The 1865 Constitution provided for election by the people. The 1868 Constitution provided for appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate. The 1885 Constitution returned election to the people. The 1968 Constitution continued election by the people.

From Allen Morris's Florida Handbook