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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
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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.
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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 doesnât conflict with state or federal law.
- Composition: The composition of a municipalities government depends on its specific and unique charterâtypically there is a city council/commission, a mayor, a city clerk, and various boards & commissions.
- Timeline: Municipalities can, via ordinance, change municipal election datesâincluding aligning them with state or county electionsâor set entirely different dates as long as it doesnât 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 Clerkâs office.
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For more information about the qualifications and requirements to run for these offices visit the Qualifications for Elected Offices
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Candidates may also refer to the DOE Treasurer Handbook for some specific requirements, which can be found here.
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The following information is not intended to be legal advice, candidates are encouraged to contact their qualifying officer for more information on requirements and deadlines. Refer to the Division of Elections Treasurer Handbook for specific requirements, which can be found here. County and Municipal candidates should contact their qualifying officer for specific requirements.
All Candidates will need to complete a Candidate Depository (Form DS-DE 9) & Statement of Candidacy (Form DS-DE 84), but qualifying officers vary by office level.
- State Legislature Candidates:Â State legislature candidates will file with the Florida Division of Elections.
- County and School Board Candidates: County and school board candidates will file with their county Supervisor of Elections office and should inquire with the SOE for additional information about deadlines and requirements.
- Municipal: Municipal candidates should contact their qualifying office (City Clerk or Supervisor of Elections) to inquire about filing deadlines and requirements, as local requirements vary. Visit our Municipal Candidates page for additional guidance on these steps.
- Special District Candidates: Special District candidates will file with their Supervisor of Elections. Visit our Soil and Water Conservation District Candidates page for additional guidance on these steps.
The IRS requires that political committees obtain a tax ID number, otherwise known as an EIN. Candidates or their appointed treasurer can apply for the EIN by completing the IRS **Form SS-4** by fax, telephone, or online.
- For a step by step instructional guide on obtaining an EIN click HERE
The EIN is NOT the same number as your Candidate ID number.
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All candidates must appoint a campaign treasurer before opening a campaign account, you will do this by filing **Form DS-DE 9** with the Division of Elections or the appropriate qualifying officer.
đ¨Within ten days of filing DS-DE 9, candidate must then file DS-DE 84, a Statement of Candidacy, with the Division of Elections or the appropriate qualifying officer.
To learn more about appointing a Campaign Treasurer, check out General Financial Compliance
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Political committees must open a bank account, which will be opened using their EIN. The name and address of your bank will be required to complete your Form DS-DE 9.
Your account must be at one of the following:
- National Bank
- State Bank
- FDIC or NCUA- Insured Institution
đ¨We strongly recommend calling your bank of choice before opening an account.
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For more information about opening and maintaining your Non-Federal bank account, visit the FEC **Bank Accounts of Political Party Committees.**
For a step by step instructional guide on opening a bank account click **HERE.**
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