MIAMI, March 1 (UPI) -- Democrat Lawton "Bud" Chiles III dropped out of Florida's 2006 gubernatorial race Tuesday, citing his failure to meet state residency requirements.
The son of the late governor and U.S. Sen. Lawton Chiles, Bud Chiles announced for the state's top office in January but was unaware of the residency requirement dating back to the 19th century, WSVN-TV (Miami) said.
Chiles moved back to the state two years ago after a decade in the northeast. He was raised in Lakeland, Fla., and previously lived in Tallahassee where he ran a communications company.
The Florida Constitution requires a person be a resident of the state for seven years before running for governor.
Other Democrats who have announced plans to run are U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and state Sen. Rod Smith. Others considered potential candidates include Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox and Betty Castor, who lost a U.S. Senate race to Mel Martinez last November.
Republican Gov. Jeb Bush is not running for re-election because of term limits.
