DeSantis Signs Bill for Lee County Voters to Choose District Commissioners

Lee County, Florida, USA - In a significant move that could alter the political landscape of Lee County, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law House Bill 4001. This pivotal legislation will allow the voters of Lee County to decide on electing their County Commissioners through single-member districts beginning in the 2026 elections. For a county with approximately 835,000 residents, this is a monumental shift from the current system, where commissioners are elected at-large by all voters.

The legislation, introduced by state Rep. Mike Giallombardo of Cape Coral, aims to enhance government representation by allowing residents to elect commissioners solely from within their districts. If approved by a majority in the upcoming referendum, the new election procedure will take effect in 2028. Under the proposed system, voters would only have the right to vote for commissioners residing in their own district, a change that some lawmakers, like District 2 Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, believe may reduce accountability to the wider community.

Detailing the Implications

The bill has sparked a fair amount of debate among local leaders. While Commissioner Pendergrass and District 5 Commissioner Mike Greenwell have publicly opposed the measure, there is some visible support from constituents within Greenwell’s district. An unsuccessful primary challenge in 2024 indicated that Greenwell could have faced a tougher time had only District 5 votes been counted. Giallombardo insists that the new system will bolster representation for smaller communities, thus putting the decision in the hands of the people.

It’s worth noting that this is only one of two noteworthy bills signed by DeSantis that day. The second, House Bill 4035, addresses the boundaries of the Lee County Mosquito Control District. This legislation will merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District into the Lee County system and is set for a vote on November 3, 2026.

A Shift in Governance

Currently, Lee County is the largest county in Florida operating under an at-large voting system for county commissioners. As Giallombardo pointed out, allowing voters to weigh in on how they want their leaders to be elected is crucial for the future of local governance. The bill experienced years of back-and-forth before it reached DeSantis‘ desk, with significant support in the legislature demonstrated by a House vote of 94-11 and a unanimous Senate approval.

However, not all members of the Lee County legislative delegation agree with this shift. Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka was the lone voice of dissent in the delegation, claiming that the community prefers the current voting system. She has a personal stake in the debates surrounding local governance, as her husband occupies the District 3 seat on the county commission.

As we approach the pivotal voter referendum in 2026, the citizens of Lee County will be faced with a compelling choice that could redefine their representation for years to come. The future will undoubtedly depend on how well the arguments for this change resonate with county residents. Are they ready for a switch? Time will tell.

For ongoing updates, check the latest legislation discussions as they unfold. One thing is for sure: Lee County is gearing up for a decisive showdown in the voting booths in 2026!

Florida Politics has reported on the potential for significant changes in local governance as these bills unfold.