<aside> đź“–
About Municipal Offices Table of Contents
Click on the title to navigate to a section or toggle to access related resources.
Municipal Charters & Forms of Government
A municipal charter is the legal document that defines the organization, powers, functions, and essential procedures of the city government. The charter also details the form of municipal government, of which there are three forms and two sub forms: council/commission-manager, commission, and council/commission-mayor from which there are two sub types: strong mayor & weak mayor.
- Council/Commission-Manager
- Council/Commission-Mayor
- Commission
<aside> âš™
To learn what form of government your municipality operates under check out our Municipal Directory, you can navigate to each municipalities website for more information by directly clicking on the municipality.
</aside>
More than 50 years ago, Floridians voted to include municipal Home Rule powers in the state Constitution. Home Rule gives each city the flexibility to craft its laws specifically to its own unique needs. This means any city can adopt its laws so long as the law doesn’t conflict with state or federal law.
- Composition: The composition of a municipalities government depends on its specific and unique charter—typically there is a city council/commission, a mayor, a city clerk, and various boards & commissions.
- Timeline: Municipalities can, via ordinance, change municipal election dates—including aligning them with state or county elections—or set entirely different dates as long as it doesn’t conflict with applicable state provisions.
- Term Limits: Term limits for municipal office vary by municipality, to determine to regulations for your seat please contact your qualifying officer which is your City Clerk or Supervisor of Elections.
Key city offices include those of mayor, council member, manager/administrator, clerk and attorney. Commissions, boards and advisory committees also often play key roles. The qualifications and election process for each position varies by municipality, please contact your qualifying officer for more information.
- Mayor
- Council Members
- Manager/Administrator
- Clerk
- Commissions and Boards
These requirements vary by municipality and should be checked with your county's Supervisor of Elections or City/Town Clerk’s office.
<aside> đź‘‹
For more information about the qualifications and requirements to run for these offices visit the Eligibility Requirements for Elected Offices
</aside>
<aside> đź“–
❓Don’t see something you need? Reach out to our Candidate Support Team at [email protected] with suggestions or questions.
</aside>