FL H7039

Increases the voting percentage required to retain state justices and judges in office from a simple majority to at least 60 percent of qualified electors voting within the court's territorial jurisdiction.

A vacancy occurs if more than 40 percent of qualified electors vote against retention, replacing the previous majority standard for removal.

The 60 percent retention requirement applies to all state court appellate justices and judges, and to circuit and county court judges only in jurisdictions that have approved merit selection and retention systems.

Retains the existing 6-year term length for justices and judges who are successfully retained.

Requires submission of the amendment to Florida voters for approval or rejection at the next general election or an earlier special election authorized by law.