FL H1581

Any increase in salary, retirement benefits, or other compensation for members of county commissions, municipal governing bodies, and special district governing bodies must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum held at a general election during a presidential election year, with election costs paid by the respective local government.

Charter county and consolidated government commissioners' salaries are frozen at the levels set by their county charter as of September 30, 2025, or by ordinance adopted on or before April 1, 2025, with future adjustments allowed only through voter referendum.

Noncharter county commissioners continue to receive salaries based on the existing population-based formula, ranging from $4,500 (counties under 10,000) to $22,500 (counties over 1,000,000) plus population increment adjustments.

The referendum requirement does not apply to retirement benefit increases received through participation in the Florida Retirement System, nor does it authorize a referendum for special districts whose charters prohibit member compensation.

The act takes effect October 1, 2025.