Florida city councils

A city council is an elected body in the state of Florida according to the state's constitution.

City councils in Florida are governed by the provisions set forth in Article VIII of the Florida Constitution. Local government structures can vary from city to city, but will usually have a mayor-council, council-manager, or commission system. City council members are elected by districts or wards, and usually serve two or four year terms. Each county has a Supervisor of Elections in charge of the election process.

Election

Qualifications

In order to run for municipal office candidates must be qualified electors in the county in which they are running. The candidate must first resign any other public elected office with an overlapping term. A candidate must also be a citizen, meet age restrictions, and not be a convicted felon or "mentally incompetent."

Powers and duties

The city council has oversight over the Police Department, Fire Department and Department of Public Works, among others. The Florida Municipalities Code dictates that the fiscal year for Florida municipalities be from October 1 to September 30.

Incorporation of new municipalities

The incorporation of municipalities in Florida depends on a vote of the legislature. In order to submit a request for incorporation to the legislature, a location must meet the following characteristics:

• Area must be compact, contiguous, and amenable to a separate municipal government
• In a low population county, the area must have at least 1,500 people. In counties above 50,000 people, the area must have at least 5,000 people.
• Population density must be at least 1.5 persons per acre.
• Its nearest point must be at least two miles from the boundary of an existing municipality, or separated by a significant natural boundary.
• It must have a proposed charter that prescribes the form of government and defines responsibilities of the executive and legislative officers; must not restrict the taxation authority of the city council