FL S0954

Creates a new Joint Rule 7 establishing residency requirements for Florida Legislature members requiring them to be legal residents and electors of their district at election and maintain residence throughout their term.

Specifies that legal residence is determined by a totality of circumstances including voter registration, homestead exemption claims, driver's license address, spouse and children's residence, mail delivery location, and where one customarily resides and conducts business.

Declares that a vacancy in office occurs when a member fails to maintain legal residence within their district, in accordance with Section 3 of Article X of the Florida Constitution.

Requires each member to file a written affirmation of residency with the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House before the Organization Session following each general election, or before taking oath of office in special election cases.

Establishes that each house of the Legislature shall judge the qualifications of its members, including whether members maintain required district residency under this rule.