[1] Like the corresponding officials in other states, the original charge of the secretary of state—to be the "Keeper of the Great Seal"—has expanded greatly since the office was first created.

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

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.