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FloridaHB 40292026House

Hillsborough County Charter

Sponsored By: Michael Owen (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationIntergovernmental Affairs SubcommitteeGovernment Operations SubcommitteeState Affairs CommitteeRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

Term limits apply across commission districts

Subject to referendum approval, the law applies the consecutive-term limit across commission districts. Someone who serves more than 6 years in two consecutive terms cannot be elected to the next term. Time the person could have served, except for resignation, also counts. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, county residents, and registered voters in their district.

County auditor oversight and appointment rules

Subject to referendum approval, appointing or removing the internal auditor requires a majority plus one of the full commission. The auditor reports directly to the board, follows professional audit standards, and has access to all county employees and records. The auditor must be a certified public accountant or otherwise qualified in government accounting, internal auditing, and financial controls. The auditor must become and remain a county resident and cannot hold political office or engage in political activity beyond voting. Every two years, the board establishes an unpaid advisory audit committee of 3–5 public members. The board sets the office's budget and compensation; the auditor can hire assistants and contractors as needed.

District signature rules for charter petitions

Subject to referendum approval, charter petitions must circulate in every commission district. Signatures must equal 8% of votes cast countywide in the last presidential election. They must also equal 8% of that election's votes in each of at least half the districts. Each petition must cover one subject, include dated signatures and identifying information, and circulate within 6 months. The Supervisor of Elections verifies signatures, with verification costs, and qualifying measures go on the ballot.

Local voters serve on charter reviews

Subject to referendum approval, each commissioner appoints 2 district voters to the Charter Review Board; elected officials cannot serve. The first review board is appointed within 2 years after the charter takes effect, then every 5 years. Members serve unpaid 1-year terms with professional and clerical support. Review-board amendments need two-thirds approval before filing for the ballot. Commission-proposed charter amendments require an ordinance approved by a majority plus one of the full commission, replacing five votes.

More district seats for Hillsborough voters

All charter changes described here require majority voter approval in the November 3, 2026 Hillsborough County referendum. The law expands the commission from 7 to 9 members, all elected by voters in their own single-member districts. The board grows to 11 when a federal decennial census shows at least 2,500,000 county residents. A majority of the full board is required for a quorum and to pass ordinances, rules, and resolutions, unless otherwise specified. Motions need a majority of members present. The law does not directly change household taxes, benefits, or fees.

New district maps and election schedules

Subject to referendum approval, the commission must create nearly equal-population districts by October 1, 2027, using the latest decennial census. After each federal decennial census, it must redraw districts within 120 days after certification. Boundary descriptions require four weeks of publication and public hearing notice. Substantial revisions require another meeting within 28 days and two weeks of publication; the Clerk sends certified boundaries to the Department of State. In 2028, odd-numbered districts elect commissioners for 2 years and even-numbered districts for 4 years. Odd districts have 2-year terms starting in 2030 and every 10 years afterward; even districts follow starting in 2032. Other terms last 4 years and begin the second Tuesday after the general election. When a census triggers 11 seats, the same 120-day map deadline applies, followed by odd-district 2-year and even-district 4-year terms at the first general election.

New rules for county executive leaders

Subject to referendum approval, appointing the county administrator or attorney requires a majority plus one of the full commission. Removal requires that same vote, or a full-board majority at each of two regular meetings 13–28 days apart. The full-time administrator needs a related master's degree and at least 3 years of executive or public-management experience. The administrator must become and remain a county resident, cannot hold another job, and receives board-set compensation by ordinance or contract. The board can appoint an interim administrator during vacancies or absences. The full-time attorney must belong to The Florida Bar and have at least 5 years of local-government-law experience or equivalent experience. Private practice requires board permission, and attorney pay is set by contract, ordinance, or resolution.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Michael Owen

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 123 • No: 26

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 2/11/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 87 • No: 26

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-197

    7/1/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    6/8/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    5/27/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/11/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/11/2026House

  6. Passed; YEAS 36 NAYS 0 -SJ 788

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 788

    3/11/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 788

    3/11/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  10. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 785

    3/11/2026Senate

  11. Placed on Local Calendar, 03/11/26

    3/9/2026Senate

  12. Received

    2/18/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules

    2/12/2026Senate

  14. In Messages

    2/12/2026Senate

  15. Passed; YEAS 87, NAYS 26

    2/11/2026House

  16. Read 3rd time

    2/11/2026House

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    2/11/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    2/11/2026House

  19. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/11/2026)

    2/5/2026House

  20. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    2/3/2026House

  21. Bill released to House Calendar

    2/3/2026House

  22. Reported out of State Affairs Committee

    2/3/2026House

  23. Favorable by State Affairs Committee

    2/3/2026House

  24. Added to State Affairs Committee agenda

    1/30/2026House

  25. Now in State Affairs Committee

    1/29/2026House

Bill Text

  • er

    7/1/2026

    PDF

  • Filed

    12/2/2025

    PDF

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