GOP-controlled Florida Legislature chooses new leaders

Sen. Bill Galvano is new Senate president; Rep. Jose Oliva is new House speaker

Florida Legislature.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature has two new leaders.

Sen. Bill Galvano was selected Tuesday as the new Senate president, while Rep. Jose Oliva was chosen as the new House speaker.

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Galvano and Oliva were the sponsors of the major gun and school safety bill that legislators passed in the aftermath of the school shooting in Parkland. The new law raised the minimum age to buy a gun in Florida to 21 years old.

Galvano is a Bradenton attorney who also served in the Florida House. Oliva, of Miami, has helped run a family-owned cigar company, although the company was sold two years ago.

Governor-elect Ron DeSantis attended the designation ceremonies. Outgoing Gov. Rick Scott was not present.

The Legislature will hold its annual session in March.
 


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