Florida’s Legislative Redistricting Process
- What is the Voting Rights Act and how does it apply to Florida?
- Why does redistricting matter for the Hispanic community in Florida?
- Why did Florida gain two additional Congressional seats?
- Why should I participate in Florida’s redistricting process?
- How do I participate in Florida’s Legislative redistricting process?
- What is the timeline for Florida’s Redistricting?
- What are additional resources that can help me participate?
1. What is the Voting Rights Act and how does it apply to Florida?
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices in all federal, state, and local elections. There are two main provision of the Voting Rights Act that apply to redistricting, Section 2 and Section 5.
Section 2 is a national mandate that protects against minority vote dilution. Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act is a special provision that applies to only to certain states, or portions of states with a history of discriminatory voting practices.
There are five counties in Florida that are covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. These are Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough and Monroe counties. Florida must submit any changes to voting laws, including redistricting plans for review to the U.S. Department of Justice as a result of having five covered jurisdictions.
The Voting Rights Act allows communities to elect candidates of their choice and ensures fair representation of all of Florida’s diverse communities.
2. Why does redistricting matter for the Hispanic community in Florida?
Redistricting will determine Florida’s political boundaries for the next 10 years.
Redistricting is the process of reshaping electoral districts to reflect the change in population shifts, and equalize the total population of districts while complying with other redistricting criteria, including the Voting Rights Act. Between 2000 and 2010 Hispanics significantly contributed to the overall population growth of Florida, accounting for 55% of its growth. These numbers stress the importance of the Hispanic community to become and continue to be engaged in the political process, including redistricting.
3. Why did Florida gain two additional Congressional seats?
Florida gained two additional seats through the process of reapportionment for a total of 27 Congressional seats. The 2010 US Census, showed that over the decade Florida’s population grew by 18% and that Hispanics were responsible for 55% of that growth. The growth in the state population was sufficiently large enough that the process of reapportionment resulted in Florida gaining two additional Congressional seats.
Each congressional seat will have the ideal population of 696,345, with a deviation of plus or minus one person. Florida ranks 4th among the 50 US states for resident population.
4. Why should I participate in Florida’s redistricting process?
According to the U.S. Census there are currently 4.2 million Hispanics residing in Florida. Specifically, Central Florida has a significant Hispanic population. The 2010 U.S. Census revealed that in cities such as Tampa and Orlando, Hispanics make up 23.1%, and 25.4% of the population, respectively. At the county level, the Hispanic population remains strong, making up as much as 27% of the population in Orange County and 25% of the population in Hillsborough County. Given the significant Hispanic population in Florida, it is essential that the Hispanic community have their voices heard in this crucial process. It is only through participating in the redistricting process that we ensure fair political representation for the next decade.
5. What is the timeline for Florida Redistricting?
June-September 2011 |
Florida Legislature hosts statewide public hearings to gather community input on redistricting. |
October-December 2011 |
The House Redistricting Committee and Subcommittees will begin reviewing public input. |
January10 – March 9, 2012 |
2012 Legislative Session begins and the Legislature officially approves new district plans. Congressional Redistricting Plans are signed by the Governor into law (7-15 days) and then submitted to US Department of Justice (60 days) for preclearance. |
June 4-8 |
Florida has qualifying state and federal elections. |
6. How do I participate in Florida’s redistricting process?
In Person: |
Participate at a community input meeting held by the State Legislature June –September 2011. |
Email: |
Email the state legislature your ideas for district lines at |
Social Media: |
Submit comments and ideas via Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MyDistrictBuilder and Congressional Redistricting Plans are signed by the Governor into law (7-15 days) and then submitted to US Department of Justice (60 days) for preclearance. |
Watch in the meetings remotely: |
The Florida Channel will be webcasting the meetings at thefloridachannel.org |
Draw and propose new district boundary lines: |
MyDistrictBuilder is an online tool that allows all Floridians to draw. |
Review plans: |
Using the Plan Explorer Floridians can view, discuss, submit and share proposals for district plans. |
7. What are additional resources that can help me participate in Florida’s redistricting process?
- Florida Legislature Redistricting website: www.floridaredistricting.org
- Helpful Guidance for Public Participation:
http://censusvalidator.blob.core.windows.net/mydistrictbuilderdata/Public Participation/Guidance_for_Public_Participation.pdf - Florida Redistricting By the Numbers:
http://censusvalidator.blob.core.windows.net/mydistrictbuilderdata/PublicParticipation/Redistricting_-_By_the_Numbers.pdf - Complete Public Participation Toolkit:
http://mydistrictbuilder.wordpress.com/participation/