National context is noted, with related redistricting moves in Texas, California, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina and Utah, set against the backdrop of the 2026 elections.

Republicans aim to redraw Florida’s congressional map to gain additional House seats, part of broader national redistricting tensions affecting the 2026 cycle.

DeSantis argues new lines would better reflect population shifts since 2020, with Republicans predicting seat gains; Democrats and groups like the League of Women Voters warn of litigation and constitutional concerns.

House redistricting activity has begun with a select committee, though the regular session has not produced redistricting work yet, despite concerns about delaying.

Redistricting generally happens after the Census, but some GOP leaders, including DeSantis, have floated mid-decade efforts to gain seats in 2026.

The governor’s office has not immediately commented on the suit or the redistricting process.

The case may hinge on Florida’s Fair Districts constitutional amendments that set redistricting standards.

A Florida Supreme Court lawsuit argues Governor DeSantis lacks constitutional authority to call a mid-decade special session to redraw the congressional map, contending that redistricting power rests with the Legislature.

The suit points to Byrd’s directive directing county election supervisors to follow candidate-qualifying rules from a reapportionment year, arguing it intrudes on legislative authority and could disrupt elections.

The filing seeks a ruling that the governor’s proclamations and directives are not binding, effectively halting the current redistricting plan.

Democracy Docket notes Florida as potentially the fourth Republican-led state pursuing mid-decade redistricting to bolster GOP control of the House, a move that diverges from traditional post-Census redistricting.

As of the filing, DeSantis had not released draft maps or filed legislation, though a special House committee has begun exploring options.