The bill amends several sections of the Florida Statutes to establish new requirements for increasing salaries and benefits for members of boards of county commissioners, municipal governing bodies, and special district governing bodies. Specifically, it mandates that any increase in salary, retirement benefits, or other compensation for these officials 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 charter counties or those with consolidated forms of government will have their salaries determined by their county charters. It also includes provisions that prohibit supplemental compensation for certain counties unless increases are made in accordance with the new referendum requirements. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1125 Filed: 145.012, 145.031, 145.17