Executive Branch Leaders

Charlie Crist, Governor

The Florida Constitution divides the powers of the state government of Florida among three branches. The executive branch is headed by the Governor. He or she, under the State Constitution, must ensure that the laws are faithfully executed, commission all officers of the State and counties, and transact all necessary business with the officers of government. The Governor may also, by proclamation stating the purpose, call the Legislature into special session. Any bill passed by the Legislature which is presented to the Governor must be signed or vetoed by him or her or it automatically becomes law without the Governor's signature within a prescribed time period.

Jeff Kottkamp, Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor is elected at the same time as the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor works with the Governor, taking his place when he is out of state and he also attends functions for the Governor when he is unable to. Sometimes the Governor appoints the Lieutenant Governor to oversee certain projects at his discretion. The Lieutenant Governor and Governor do not travel in the same vehicle even though they may be going to the same place. This is a security precaution, in case something happened to one of them, the other would still be able to run the State of Florida.

Bill McCollum, Attorney General

The Attorney General serves as one of three members of the State Cabinet who, along with the Governor, oversees several policy areas such as the environment, law enforcement, veterans, growth management, highway safety/motor vehicles, revenue, and finance. The Attorney General is committed to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Florida. His or her priorities are to ensure the safety and security of all Floridians, fight to protect consumers from fraud, and save the natural environment that makes Florida such a wonderful place to live and visit.

Alex Sink, Chief Financial Officer

The chief financial officer oversees the Department of Financial Services, which is responsible for assisting consumers who need information and help related to financial services, including banking, securities, and insurance. In addition, the department keeps track of all money coming into and going out of state government - an amount that totals more than $63 billion annually.

Responsibilities that fall directly under the chief financial officer include:

• Overseeing the state's accounting and auditing functions, including review of state contracts and safeguarding unclaimed property.
• Monitoring the investment of state funds and managing the deferred compensation program for state employees.
• Investigating fraud, including identity theft and insurance fraud.
• Overseeing cemeteries and funeral homes that sell pre-need contracts.
• Licensing and oversight of insurance agents and agencies.
• Ensuring businesses have workers' compensation coverage in place for employees and helping injured workers with benefit payments and re-employment.
• Serving as state fire marshal, investigating fires and suppressing arson.

Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner of Agriculture

The Commissioner of Agriculture's job is to help promote Florida agricultural products and expand markets for our state's growers. This is increasingly important in today's competitive global economy. Agriculture is an important part of our state's heritage and economy. Florida is one of America's leading agricultural states, producing a wide range of commodities. Florida's 44,000 farmers produce more than 280 different crops on a commercial scale with yearly cash receipts totaling $7 billion. Florida agriculture has an economic impact estimated at more than $87 billion annually.