What is redistricting?
After each decennial Census, the Legislature redraws the districts from which Florida voters elect their state representatives, state senators, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Redistricting is the redrawing of congressional and state legislative districts to adjust for uneven growth rates in different parts of the state. Districts determine which voters participate in which elections.
Reapportionment is the redistribution of seats in the United States House of Representatives among the 50 states, based on the decennial census. Each state gets at least one seat. Effective with elections in 2022 Florida gets 28 representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, an increase of one from last decade. Two U.S. Senators represent the entire state.
The Reapportionment Process (PDF) flowchart shows the process for approving new state house and senate districts (See Article III, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution). It also indicates the paths followed dating back to 1972. The process is different for congressional districts, which are set by act of the Legislature and approved by the Governor (there is no mandatory review by the Florida Supreme Court).
When does it happen?
- April 26, 2021: Census Bureau releases statewide population totals for apportioning the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
- September 30, 2021: Census Bureau’s projected date for release of PL 94-171 Redistricting Data
- Fall of 2021: Interim Committee Meetings
- January 11, 2022: 2022 Regular Session convenes
- March 11, 2022: 60th Day of 2022 Regular Session
- June 13 - 17, 2022: Qualifying for state and federal offices
- July 9, 2022: Primary Election overseas ballot mailing
- August 23, 2022: Primary Election
- September 24, 2022: General Election overseas ballot mailing
- November 8, 2022: General Election
What is our role?
Part of the Supervisor of Elections’ role in redistricting is to review and provide suggestions for the county’s Voting Tabulation Districts to the Senate Committee on Reapportionment. This process is designed to help keep areas such as subdivisions and apartment complexes within cohesive districts.
In February of 2021, the Supervisor received TIGER files (topologically integrated geographic encoding and referencing files) from the U.S. Census Bureau. These files included roads, railroads, waterways, etc. and were compared with the county parcel maps for accuracy. County polling places were added to the files to help plan for any possible changes in locations.
The Supervisor will redraw precinct lines within all districts throughout the county as needed, and then submit all changes to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
The Supervisor is required to notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of any precinct changes and furnish a map with the precinct boundaries.
What is your role?
Voters may participate in the process by attending public hearings, and submitting comments and ideas to their legislators. Contact information for your elected officials can be found on our website.
Additional Resources
Florida Redistricting Information
Florida Senate Redistricting Information