Each year during the legislative session, city leaders from across Florida travel to Tallahassee to meet with lawmakers and advocate for strong local decision making.
This year’s Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days were held January 26 to 28, 2026. The event brings municipal officials together at the Capitol during session, helping cities present a unified message on the issues that most affect communities back home.
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities (originally known as the Florida League of Municipalities) was created to champion local decision making and protect the ability of each city to address its own needs. That principle was strengthened in 1968 when Florida adopted home rule powers, allowing local governments to pass ordinances unless the state has specifically preempted the issue. In practice, it means cities can take care of everyday priorities, from traffic safety improvements to storm water projects, as long as local laws do not conflict with state or federal law.
In recent decades, however, city leaders have seen an increase in one size fits all legislation, often backed by special interests, that can limit local authority. These bills sometimes treat vastly different communities as if they face the same challenges and operate under the same conditions, restrictions, or protections. The State of Florida is about 500 miles long and 160 miles wide with diversity in multiple ways, and Destin’s needs are often distinctly its own. This is way protecting local decision making remains a key priority.
Fast facts regarding the adoption of Home Rule in Florida include:
- 1968 Constitution: Replaced a system where local governments only had powers explicitly granted by the state.
- 1973 Act: The Municipal Home Rules Power Act (codified in Ch. 166 of the Florida Statutes) ended challenges to city/county powers.
- Earlier Exceptions: A 1956 amendment to the 1885 Constitution allowed Miami-Dade County to adopt a home rule charter, marking an earlier, localized move toward this authority.
Local Voices, Local Choices!
