This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the salaries and benefits of local government officials, specifically focusing on county commissioners, municipal governing bodies, and special district governing bodies. It establishes that the salary for county commissioners in noncharter counties will be calculated based on the county's population as of April 1, 2025, and mandates that the salaries for members of chartered or consolidated county governments be set in the county charter or by ordinance by the same date. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that any increase in salary, retirement benefits, or other compensation for members of county commissions, municipal governing bodies, or special districts must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum held during a presidential election year, with the costs of the referendum to be borne by the respective government entity.

The bill also includes provisions for calculating salary adjustments for county commissioners and specifies that these adjustments will be governed by the new referendum requirement starting October 1, 2025. It clarifies that increases in retirement benefits as part of participation in the Florida Retirement System are exempt from the referendum requirement. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the compensation of local government officials by involving voters in decisions regarding their pay and benefits.

Statutes affected:
S 1762 Filed: 145.012, 145.031, 145.19