Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday moved ahead with plans to replace three state Supreme Court justices who are being forced to leave due to age restrictions.
Scott asked a nominating commission to spend the next 60 days coming up with a list of replacement candidates for Justices Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince.
He said that this would ensure that the court would avoid any vacancies.
"Beginning the process to fill these vacancies right now follows the practice of previous governors," said Scott in a statement. "Florida's Supreme Court is so important to Floridians, and we will work together to select the most qualified justices to faithfully serve our state."
But there have been mounting questions as to whether Scott — or his successor — should have the right to appoint the next the three justices. Scott can't run for re-election due to term limits.
Scott has previously said he planned to name the three new justices the morning of his departure.
The Florida branch of the League of Women Voters and the government watchdog group Common Cause last year filed a petition with the court saying Scott's successor should make the appointments.