This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to establish that in certain counties, the position of county administrator must be an elected office if the county's population exceeds 750,000. Specifically, it introduces new provisions under section 125.96, which mandates that the county administrator be elected for a four-year term during general elections that occur in years that are multiples of four. The bill also requires the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to certify the population of each county and provide this information to relevant authorities, ensuring that elections for county administrators are conducted based on the certified population.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes to include the title of "County Administrator" on ballots and to clarify that counties with a population exceeding 750,000 must elect their county administrator, while those with a smaller population may appoint one. It also outlines the process for filling vacancies in the office of county administrator and establishes that candidates must qualify and conduct their campaigns according to specified regulations. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025, with initial population certifications required by January 1, 2026, leading to the first election of a county administrator in eligible counties in 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1218 Filed: 101.151, 125.73, 125.84