The Florida Cabinet system is probably unique among the systems of government of the fifty states. The Cabinet consists of six officers who are elected statewide and serve four-year terms. Unlike the Governor, who can only serve two successive four-year terms, Cabinet members can be elected term after term. The six Cabinet offices are the Attorney General, the Comptroller, the Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Commissioner of Education.
Each of the Cabinet members is in charge of a department of state government. They also serve jointly with the Governor on a number of boards which administer other departments. On all but one of these boards each Cabinet member's vote is equal to that of the Governor. The Cabinet member has the authority to independently manage their departments and may also be given additional responsibilities by the Legislature.
The Governor and the Cabinet hold public meetings at least once a month, usually on a Tuesday. The meeting gives the public an opportunity to watch state government in action. At these meetings state business is conducted and votes are taken on various issues. Some of these issues are controversial and may generate large crowds at the meetings. Cabinet meetings also provide a ceremonial setting for the recognition of athletes, pageant queens, service organizations, state employees, and others deserving of introduction. Certificates of appreciation and other awards are presented.
