TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida's senators like starting the annual session early so much they want to do it again in 2018.
The chamber voted 27-11 on Thursday to begin the 2018 session on January 9. The Legislature has traditionally begun its annual session on the first Tuesday in March, except once a decade when it has to redraw congressional and legislative districts once the federal census is complete.
But this year the Legislate began in January and plans to wrap up next week. The decision was made to start in January on a one-time basis.
The state constitution says the session must begin in March in odd numbered years, but gives lawmakers the option of starting early in even numbered years.
A House bill setting an early 2018 session date is awaiting a vote.
