Senator Blaise Ingoglia filed Senate Joint Resolution 536 (SJR 536) on Thursday, a proposed constitutional amendment that would reinforce the state’s legislative term limits by capping a lawmaker’s service to eight consecutive years in each chamber—resulting in a lifetime total of 16 years in the legislature. Under current law, state representatives and senators are restricted to eight consecutive years in a single chamber, but nothing prevents them from switching chambers and effectively extending their careers, in some cases almost indefinitely. This loophole has enabled many recent elected officials to remain in office for extended periods.

The new proposal seeks to close that gap by imposing a combined cap on legislative service. After November 3, 2026, no legislator would be able to serve more than 16 non-consecutive years across the House and Senate. However, the measure also includes an exception: legislators with more than 16 years of service by that date would be permitted to run for one additional eight-year consecutive term, provided their total time in office does not exceed 24 years.

“Let’s stop the practice of people continually running for the same office and bouncing back and forth between chambers,” Ingoglia said on X. “Serving the people of Florida should be a privilege, and an honor, not a career.”

In addition, the resolution addresses cases arising from redistricting by allowing lawmakers whose terms are shortened due to apportionment to seek re-election for an extra term without that term counting toward the 16-year limit. To become law, SJR 536 must secure a three-fifths majority vote in both the Florida House and Senate before it can be placed on the ballot. If it reaches the ballot, the amendment would require approval from at least 60 percent of Florida voters to amend the state constitution.

If approved by the Legislature, the amendment would appear on the ballot for voter consideration. The measure would take effect after the November 3, 2026 general election, and legislators who have already served more than 16 years by that time would be allowed to run for one additional eight-year consecutive term, though no lawmaker would be permitted to exceed 24 total years of service.

Additionally, the resolution includes a provision allowing lawmakers whose terms are shortened due to redistricting to seek reelection for one additional term, even if doing so would exceed the 16-year limit.

To be enacted, SJR 536 must secure a three-fifths majority vote in both the Florida House and Senate before being placed on the ballot. If it reaches the ballot, it would require approval from at least 60 percent of Florida voters to be added to the state constitution.