Bill > S1416

This bill standardizes municipal election dates by requiring all municipal office elections to be held on the same date as the general election, with specific provisions for municipalities that use a runoff election format. Under the new law, the initial municipal election would be held on the primary election date (11 weeks before the general election), and any required runoff would occur on the general election date. The bill preempts all other local laws, charters, or ordinances regarding municipal election scheduling, effectively creating a statewide standard for when municipal elections can be held. For municipalities with runoff election requirements, this means aligning their electoral process with the state's existing election calendar. The bill also makes corresponding changes to recall election procedures and extends the terms of current municipal officers until the next municipal election under the new rules. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing municipalities time to adjust to the new election scheduling requirements. By centralizing election dates, the bill aims to create consistency and potentially increase voter participation in municipal elections by aligning them with broader electoral events.

Health and Social Services

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1416