Before applying for a leave of absence, the officer shall appoint a capable and competent deputy to take over and perform the duties of the office, and any bond required of the officer must remain in full force during the remainder of his or her term of office. Such deputy may be required to furnish bond in a sum of not more than one-half of the amount of the bond of the officer appointing him or her as such deputy, for the faithful performance of such duties.
Fla. Stat. § 115.03