Ben Albritton elected 91st president of Florida Senate as leaders adopt rules in organizational session

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Nov. 19 convened for its organizational session and chose Ben Albritton as the chamber’s 91st president, elected Jason Broder president pro tempore and re-elected Tracy Cantella as secretary, while adopting rules to govern the Senate for the 2024–2026 term.

Albritton, nominated from the floor by Sen. Corey Simon and seconded by Sen. Burton, won confirmation after nominations were closed and members answered the roll. Chief Justice Charles G. Muniz administered the oath of office. In brief remarks after taking the gavel, President Albritton framed priorities for the coming term, stressing support for rural communities, oversight of insurance claims after recent storms, and a renewed focus on water quality and data-driven policymaking. "I seek your wisdom. I want to share your hope," Albritton said during his remarks.

Tracy Cantella was nominated for a second term as secretary by Sen. Ed Hooper, who highlighted her decades of experience in the secretary’s office and on committees; the Senate approved the nomination and Cantella repeated the oath of office. Sen. Hooper told colleagues Cantella "has earned our trust and respect" for her work maintaining legislative records and floor procedures.

Jason Broder was nominated by Sen. Boyd and seconded by Sen. Trumbull for president pro tempore. Following affirmation by the Senate and an oath administered by Chief Justice Muniz, Broder thanked colleagues and emphasized service, civility and a commitment to deliberation.

On procedural matters, the rules chair reported proposed Senate rules and moved their adoption for the next two years; the Senate approved the rules by voice vote. The chamber also took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 2-ORG, which adopts the joint rules of the Florida Legislature for the 2024–2026 term; the resolution was read by title and adopted with no changes.

Other formal business included the reading of certificates of election from the Secretary of State certifying winners of the Nov. 5, 2024 general and special elections and the roll call of members for the 2024–2026 Senate. The Democratic caucus certified its internal leadership choices — Sen. Jason Pizzo as Democratic leader and Sen. Tracy Davis as Democratic leader pro tempore — and Pizzo offered brief remarks stressing willingness to work across the aisle on the Senate’s agenda.

The session included ceremonial elements: an opening prayer by Pastor Darren Canary, presentation of colors by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, musical performances by Avis Berry and remarks recognizing Sergeant at Arms Damian Kelly. Senators observed a moment of silence for the late John Pasadomo and for an injured colleague. The rules chair moved to adjourn the Senate in organization "sine die," and, without objection, the Senate adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Election of Secretary (Tracy Campbell Cantella): Nomination by Sen. Ed Hooper; seconded; approved by the Senate (voice vote). Outcome: elected and sworn. (Motion start: SEG 372)

- Election of President (Ben Albritton): Nominated by Sen. Corey Simon; nominations closed and members affirmed by roll call; outcome: elected and sworn as 91st president. (Nomination start: SEG 497)

- Election of President Pro Tempore (Jason Broder): Nominated by Sen. Boyd; nominations closed and members affirmed by roll call; outcome: elected and sworn. (Nomination start: SEG 1238)

- Adoption of Senate rules and technical conforming changes: Motion to adopt rules for 2 years; approved (voice). (Motion start: SEG 1758)

- Adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution 2-ORG (adopting joint rules): Read by title and adopted with no changes. (Read: SEG 1791)

Next steps

With leadership chosen and rules adopted, the chamber concluded its organizational business and adjourned sine die; the Senate will reconvene under the schedule and procedures its leadership has set for the 2025 session.