Most people can name the Governor of Florida without blinking, but the Lt Gov of Florida usually flies under the radar. It’s a weird job. Honestly, if you ask a random person on the street in Miami or Tallahassee what Jeanette Nuñez actually does all day, you’ll probably get a blank stare. Or maybe a guess about "ribbon cutting."
The truth is way more interesting.
Florida’s Lieutenant Governor isn’t just a "spare tire" for the executive branch. Since taking office in 2019, Jeanette Nuñez has basically redefined what the position looks like in the Sunshine State. She isn't just a placeholder. She’s the first Latina to hold the post. That's a big deal in a state where the Hispanic vote is basically the holy grail of politics. She’s been the point person on everything from the COVID-19 response in minority communities to the state's burgeoning aerospace industry.
The Evolution of the Lt Gov of Florida Position
Florida didn’t even have a Lieutenant Governor for a huge chunk of its history.
From 1889 to 1969, the office didn't exist. It was abolished. Seriously. If the Governor died or left, the President of the Senate just took over. When the position was brought back during the 1968 constitutional revision, it was left kind of vague. The Florida Constitution basically says the Lieutenant Governor performs duties assigned by the Governor or provided by law.
That means the power of the Lt Gov of Florida depends entirely on who the Governor is and how much they trust their second-in-command.
Under Ron DeSantis, Nuñez has been given a massive portfolio. She isn't just sitting in an office waiting for something to happen to the boss. She chairs Space Florida. She’s heavily involved in the Department of Health. While some past Lieutenant Governors were mostly ceremonial figures who showed up at county fairs, Nuñez is a legislative veteran. She spent years in the Florida House, even serving as Speaker Pro Tempore. She knows where the bodies are buried in the legislative process, which makes her a lethal asset for the administration’s agenda.
Space Florida and the High-Stakes Tech Game
If you want to understand what Nuñez actually does, look at the stars. Or at least at Cape Canaveral.
As the chair of the Board of Directors for Space Florida, the Lt Gov of Florida is essentially the state's lead advocate for the aerospace industry. This isn't just about NASA anymore. It's about SpaceX, Blue Origin, and a whole ecosystem of private companies that are pouring billions into the Florida economy.
💡 You might also like: Robert Hanssen: What Most People Get Wrong About the FBI's Most Damaging Spy
It’s high-stakes work.
They are competing with Texas. They are competing with international hubs. Nuñez has been vocal about making Florida the undisputed "global hub for aerospace." This involves complex financing deals, infrastructure upgrades for launch pads, and tax incentives that keep these companies from moving their headquarters to Austin or elsewhere. It’s a blend of economic development and deep-tech policy that most people don't associate with a "backup" politician.
The Cultural Weight of the Office
Nuñez is the daughter of Cuban exiles. That matters.
In Florida politics, the "I-4 Corridor" and the South Florida Cuban vote are the engines that drive elections. Having a Lt Gov of Florida who speaks the language—both literally and culturally—gives the administration a level of access that a typical politician might struggle with. She’s been the lead voice on "anti-communist" education initiatives in Florida schools, which resonates deeply with the diaspora in Miami-Dade.
But it’s not just about identity.
It’s about strategy. Nuñez often acts as the "closer." When a policy is flagging or needs a specific push in the South Florida media market, she’s the one on the ground. She bridge-builds.
What Happens if the Governor Leaves?
This is the question everyone whispers about in Tallahassee hallways.
The Lt Gov of Florida is first in the line of succession. If the Governor resigns, dies, or is removed from office, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the remainder of the term. We’ve seen this happen before. Back in the late 90s, when Governor Lawton Chiles passed away unexpectedly just weeks before his term ended, Buddy MacKay stepped in.
📖 Related: Why the Recent Snowfall Western New York State Emergency Was Different
It was a brief, somber transition, but it proved why the office exists.
There’s often talk about what would happen if a Governor ran for higher office. If Ron DeSantis had moved into a federal role, Nuñez would have become the Governor of Florida instantly. This possibility shapes how she is treated by lobbyists and other lawmakers. You don't want to be on the wrong side of the person who might be the most powerful person in the state tomorrow morning.
Misconceptions About the Role
People think the Lieutenant Governor is the Governor's "assistant."
Wrong.
They are a constitutional officer. While they serve at the pleasure of the Governor in terms of their assigned duties, they are elected on a joint ticket. They have their own staff, their own budget, and their own mandate from the voters.
Another common myth: the Lt Gov of Florida presides over the State Senate.
In many other states, like Texas, the Lieutenant Governor is actually the head of the Senate and holds immense legislative power. Not in Florida. Here, the Senate President is a completely separate role. The Lieutenant Governor has no formal role in the legislative branch other than what they can achieve through soft power and relationships.
Real-World Impact: Health and Human Services
Nuñez has been particularly active in the Florida Department of Health, specifically regarding the "Integrated Health Care" initiatives. She’s spent a lot of time focusing on human trafficking prevention as well.
She chairs the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.
👉 See also: Nate Silver Trump Approval Rating: Why the 2026 Numbers Look So Different
This is gritty, difficult work. It involves coordinating between law enforcement, social services, and the legal system to crack down on traffickers while providing actual paths to recovery for survivors. It’s a far cry from the "ceremonial" label people like to slap on the office. She’s pushed for increased penalties and better training for hospitality workers to spot the signs of trafficking in Florida's massive tourism sector.
How to Track What the Lt Gov is Doing
If you’re trying to keep tabs on the Lt Gov of Florida, you won't find it all in one place.
- Check the Florida Department of State records. You can see the official executive orders and assignments.
- Follow the Space Florida board meetings. If you want to see her in "business mode," this is where the actual economic decisions happen.
- The Florida Channel. They broadcast almost every public appearance and committee meeting she attends. It's the "C-SPAN" of Florida and is a goldmine for seeing how she interacts with other leaders.
The role is ultimately what the person makes of it.
Some predecessors were almost invisible. Nuñez has chosen to be a visible, active surrogate and a policy lead on specific, high-value files. Whether you agree with the administration's politics or not, it’s hard to argue that the office is currently being used to its full potential.
Actionable Steps for Staying Informed
Staying updated on Florida's executive branch requires a bit of digging beyond the headlines.
First, sign up for the Executive Office of the Governor (EOG) press releases. These are sent out daily and include the schedules for both the Governor and the Lt Gov of Florida. It’s the fastest way to see where they are traveling and what specific initiatives they are touting.
Second, if you are interested in the business side, monitor the Space Florida legislative budget requests. These documents show exactly where the state is placing its bets on future technology and aerospace infrastructure.
Finally, pay attention to the Florida Cabinet meetings. While the Lieutenant Governor is not a formal member of the Cabinet (which consists of the Attorney General, CFO, and Agriculture Commissioner), she is often a key player in the discussions that happen around those meetings.
Knowing who holds the power in Florida means looking past the top name on the ballot. The Lieutenant Governor is a heartbeat away from the top job, but more importantly, they are often the person actually turning the gears on the state's most complex industrial and social policies.
Keep an eye on the official FLGov.com site for the latest appointments and policy white papers. Understanding the nuances of this office is the only way to truly grasp how Florida's $1 trillion+ economy is actually managed on a day-to-day basis.