Like the governor, the secretary was originally appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by Congress.

The job of the secretary was similar to that of a modern-day lieutenant governor, assuming administrative responsibilities of the territory in the absence of the governor.

Walton was the first civilian to act in this capacity following the American acquisition of Florida.

In 1998,[3] constitutional changes removed the secretary of state from the elected Cabinet of the executive branch.

[4] That year, Katherine Harris won the last election for secretary of state[5] and since 2002, the secretary of state of Florida has been appointed by the governor.