Our Internship Program
The Southern Group’s Legislative Session Internship Program offers students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process while working alongside the state’s leading government affairs professionals.
Interns are immersed in all aspects of the legislative session, including tracking legislation, attending committee meetings, conducting policy research, preparing client materials, and observing advocacy in action. Along the way, they build valuable relationships with lobbyists, legislators, executive branch leaders, clients, and industry professionals while developing skills for careers in government, public affairs, law, communications, and business.
Whether you aspire to work in the Capitol, lead public policy initiatives, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how government works, this internship provides an exceptional foundation for your future.
After their experience with The Southern Group, former interns have pursued careers inside different state legislatures, at diverse state agencies, in various legal professions, and as lobbyists – some even within our own firm.
By equipping young professionals with the advocacy, access, and influence that The Southern Group provides, our internship program serves as a catalyst for future success.
Florida’s Legislative Internship Applications Are OPEN!
Internship Options
Applicants may choose one of two participation options:
Paid Internship
Academic Credit
Students wishing to earn academic credit should consult with their academic advisor prior to applying. Official paperwork from the student’s college or university must be received and approved before the internship begins in order to participate under the academic credit option.
Important Dates
Applicants should be available in-person for the following program requirements in Tallahassee. Please note, The Southern Group does not cover travel or housing costs in Tallahassee.
- Application Window Opens: Monday, August 3, 2026
- Application Window Closes: Friday, September 11, 2026
- Intern Class Onboarding Sessions: November 12–13, 2026
- Organization Session: November 17, 2026
- Governor’s Inauguration: January 5, 2027
- Interim Committee Weeks: January–February 2027
- January 4-7, 2027
- January 11-14, 2027
- February 1-4, 2027
- February 8-11, 2027
- February 15-18, 2027
- 2027 Legislative Session: March 2 – April 30, 2027
How to Apply
Submit the following materials through our online application portal by Friday, September 11, 2026:
- Resume
- Cover letter addressing your interest in lobbying and government affairs
- Fall 2026 class schedule (required — used to confirm your availability during program dates)
- Written response to the prompt below (300 words maximum)
Describe a moment when you changed your mind about something you believed strongly. What changed it, and what did you do differently after?
This prompt is intentionally open-ended. There are no right answers. We are looking for self-awareness, intellectual honesty, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely — all skills that matter in this work.
If you have any questions about the internship program or application, please reach out to Karis Lockhart at – [email protected]
Current Network Interns:
Julia Lvovsky – TSG Advocates
