Trump says he wants a third term. What do Florida's elected Republicans think?

Kirby Wilson, Tampa Bay Times on Mar 31, 2025

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President Donald Trump says he’s serious about pursuing a third presidential term.

“I’m not joking,” Trump told a reporter for NBC News over the weekend.

The U.S. Constitution says that’s not allowed.

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice,” the 22nd Amendment reads. Trump was elected in 2016 and 2024.

The peaceful transition of power from president to president is the bedrock of the American political system. It began with George Washington, who stepped away from office after his second term. The amendment limiting presidential terms was passed after Franklin Delano Roosevelt died during his fourth consecutive term.

In theory, Florida could work to make Trump’s vision a reality. The state could ratify a constitutional amendment allowing him to serve another term. However, such an amendment would need to be approved by three-quarters of the states.

Short of that, Trump’s idea is blatantly unconstitutional.

If Florida’s elected Republicans are troubled by this, they aren’t saying so. The Tampa Bay Times reached out Monday to Tampa Bay’s GOP congressional representatives, leaders in the state Legislature and the governor’s office.

Here’s how they responded to questions about Trump seeking a third term.

Congress

Sen. Rick Scott: Did not respond.

Sen. Ashley Moody: Did not respond.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: Did not respond.

Rep. Vern Buchanan: Did not respond.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis: Did not respond.

Rep. Laurel Lee: Did not respond.

State leaders

State House Speaker Danny Perez: Did not respond.

State Senate President Ben Albritton: Did not respond.

Gov. Ron DeSantis: Did not respond.