A bold proposal to reshape Florida’s executive branch took its first step forward Tuesday, as the House Government Operations Subcommittee voted 14-3 to approve a constitutional amendment that would abolish the office of lieutenant governor and establish a new “commissioner of government efficiency” position.
If passed by the Legislature, the measure (HJR 1325) would go before voters in the 2026 general election, offering Floridians a chance to redefine their state government.
Sponsored by Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, the amendment aims to consolidate oversight of government spending and operations under a single, elected official tasked with rooting out “fraud, waste, and abuse” across the executive branch, local governments, and special districts.
READ: DeSantis Unleashes Florida DOGE: Slashing Waste, Supercharging Government Efficiency
“Right now, the watchdog, so to speak, is really spread out over a number of different agencies,” Snyder told the committee. “What we’re trying to do is consolidate that and empower the people of Florida to make their voices heard and elect someone that makes that their sole responsibility.”
Under the plan, the commissioner of government efficiency would wield broad authority to audit and investigate state and local entities, reporting findings directly to the public. The first commissioner would be appointed by the Legislature to serve from 2027 to 2028 and barred from running for the office, with the position becoming elective starting in 2028.
Meanwhile, the lieutenant governor’s office—currently vacant—would persist through the 2026 election, with gubernatorial candidates still selecting running mates, but would dissolve on January 5, 2027.
The proposal emerges amid a leadership gap following Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez’s resignation to take the interim presidency of Florida International University.
READ: Slightly Sweeter News For Florida Citrus: Production Estimates Edge Up, But Challenges Remain
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled he’ll delay naming a replacement until after the legislative session ends in May, leaving the No. 2 spot empty as lawmakers debate its future. Critics see the timing as opportunistic, while supporters argue it’s a chance to modernize a role they view as largely ceremonial.
“This is about efficiency and accountability,” Snyder said, pitching the commissioner as a proactive fiscal hawk compared to the lieutenant governor’s often undefined duties. The idea echoes the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), though Snyder’s proposal roots the concept in Florida’s Constitution rather than federal bureaucracy.
The 14-3 vote reflected strong Republican support, but the three dissenting Democrats raised concerns about eliminating a historic office without a clear replacement plan until 2028.
READ: Trump Makes 25% Canadian Steel And Aluminum Tariffs Official Wednesday
Next, HJR 1325 heads to the House State Affairs Committee, a key hurdle before reaching the full House.
To land on the 2026 ballot, both chambers must pass the amendment with three-fifths majorities—60 votes in the House and 24 in the Senate—setting a high bar for Snyder’s vision.
Correction: The previous story listed Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia as introducing companion legislation in the Senate. This was incorrect and updated.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
