Virtual Tour

The Florida House of Representatives

The Florida House of Representatives has 120 members. The Speaker decides the seating arrangement in this Chamber. The House Chamber underwent a major renovation in 1999. The House Chamber changed the style of decor from modern to Victorian. During the renovation, the bulletproof glass separating the Chamber floor from the viewing galleries was removed. Metal detectors and guard stations are use for screening. A first come; first serve seating arrangement is used for the galleries, though occasionally the House may reserve a section. A faux-alabaster-and-glass chandelier hangs over the Chamber. The dark colored wood used throughout the Chamber is mahogany. Surrounding the Chamber floor are portraits of former Speakers of the House. By the end of 2001, the walls of the Chamber will have murals showing Florida's diverse history. At the head of the center walkway is a color rendition of the seal of the House of Representatives. The filming of the floor debate is done with help of eight robotic cameras. The Florida Channel operates these cameras. A stadium-style TV screen is located on the back wall above the Speaker's level. The screen can be used to show the text of any bill or amendment, video presentations, or live transmission of the floor debate. On either side of the screen are voting boards. When a vote is cast, each Representative's vote is displayed on the boards. Each desk has three buttons located under the nameplate on the desk. The number on the nameplate indicates that Representative's district number. The red and green buttons are for voting. When a Representative needs an errand performed, the yellow button is pressed to summon a House page or messenger. There are a series of lights that can only be seen when seated at the Representative's desk. One light goes on when that Representative's microphone is live. Another light indicates that the Speaker would like to see that Representative up front. The next two lights deal with the desk phone. Each Representative has a phone attached to the underside of the desk. This phone links directly with the Representative's office. The first of the two phone lights glows when a phone call comes in from that Representative's office. The other lights up when the phone is in use. The Representatives also carry laptops that can be plugged in their desks. The laptops allow access to copies of bills and other useful information. These laptops can also be carried to committee rooms. These committee rooms contain the same kind of access ports that are embedded in the desks. The press is seated in glassed-in room above the House entrance.

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