Florida Attorney General Blocks Miami Election Delay Without Voter Approval

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a formal opinion stating that the City of Miami cannot postpone its municipal elections to 2026 without voter approval, as doing so would violate Florida statutes and the state constitution by improperly extending current officials' terms. Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly supported Uthmeier's position, emphasizing that city politicians lack authority to cancel elections or extend terms without a referendum. Despite this, Miami City Attorney George Wysong argued in a conflicting opinion that the City Commission has the authority to move the election without voter approval, citing Florida statutes, setting the stage for a legal and political confrontation. The proposal, championed by Commissioner Damian Pardo, aims to align Miami's elections with even-year statewide and national cycles to increase voter turnout and reduce election costs, but it faces criticism for extending current officials’ terms, which some critics label a "power grab." Prospective mayoral candidates and voter advocates have called for adherence to democratic principles by requiring the change to go before voters, including a petition initiative called "Stronger Miami" seeking the same election timing change via referendum. The City Commission is preparing for a key vote on the proposal despite the Attorney General's warning, highlighting tensions between local governance ambitions and state constitutional requirements.