The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to establish new requirements for increasing salaries and benefits for members of local government bodies, including county commissioners, municipal governing bodies, and special district governing bodies. Specifically, it mandates that any increase in salary, retirement benefits, or other compensation must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum held during a general election in a presidential election year. The costs associated with these referendums will be borne by the respective county, municipality, or special district.

Additionally, the bill revises the salary formula for county commissioners in noncharter counties and clarifies that members of governing bodies in charter counties will receive salaries as specified in their charters, with future adjustments subject to the new referendum requirement. It also includes provisions that exempt certain increases in retirement benefits tied to the Florida Retirement System from the referendum requirement. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1581 Filed: 145.012, 145.031, 145.19
H 1581 c1: 145.012, 145.031, 145.17, 145.19
H 1581 c2: 145.012, 145.031, 145.17