TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former State Sen. Randolph Bracy is threatening a lawsuit against his Democratic primary opponent, State Sen. Geraldine Thompson, claiming that she lives unlawfully outside of her elected district. 

“It is important now more than ever that we have representation that stands on the truth,” said Bracy, who is vying to oust Thompson in the August primary. 

A longtime elected leader in Orlando, Thompson is denying the allegations. She represents Senate District 15, which encompasses a portion of Orange County.

“My husband and I still own in Windermere (…) There is nothing in the state statues that prohibits more than one residence,” Thompson said.

Lawsuits to resolve residency disputes, however, are uncommon. The Florida Senate oversees residency disputes and verification. 

According to the Florida Department of State, state law requires a member to “maintain his or her legal residence within that district for the duration of his or her term.”

Meanwhile, House and Senate rules list a variety of different factors that are considered while examining residency. 

Senate investigations may include even more determining factors, such as one instance in which members retrieved and examined vet bills. 

Tallahassee attorney Mark Herron told Spectrum News that lawsuits and complaints are sometimes used as a form of “political advertising” against an opponent. 

“If somebody was concerned about the residency of a member of the senate, they would bring that matter to the attention of the senate,” Herron said. “There’s senate rules on residency and how you address it.”

Thompson isn’t the only Central Florida lawmaker facing residency allegations. Orlando Democratic Rep. Bruce Antone is facing similar allegations by his Democratic primary opponent.