Lawmakers propose constitutional term limits for county commissioners, school board members

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix
February 18, 2025

Sen. Blaise Ingoglia and Rep. Michelle Salzman suggested Tuesday that voters would amend the Florida Constitution to impose term limits on school board members and county commissioners. 

So, they’ve filed legislation to limit a school board member or county commissioner to two four-year terms.

State lawmakers have long faced term limits, which often leads them to run for the Senate after serving eight years in the House or return to either body after spending a term or more out of office. Florida voters approved term limits for state officials as a constitutional amendment in 1992. 

Ingoglia, a Republican representing Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, and part of Pasco counties, and Salzman, a Republican representing part of Escambia County, introduced SJR 802 and HJR 679 in their respective chambers Tuesday.

“Serving in government should be an honor, not a career,” Ingoglia said in a news release.

“Voters of Florida have never had the opportunity to weigh in if eight-year term limits for county commissioners and school board members should be enshrined in our constitution. With this proposed amendment, now they can. Our forefathers believed that service in government should be brief. I have a sneaking suspicion that the vast majority of Floridians believe so as well.” 

The resolutions have yet to be assigned to committees in either chamber. 

Lawmakers approved, and the governor signed, a law in 2022 that limits school board members to 12 years. In 2023, lawmakers and the governor reduced that number to eight. The new legislation would prevent future legislatures from extending their tenure.

County commissions do not have term limits set by state statute or the Constitution; however, 11 counties have established term limits. A measure to impose term limits on commissioners died last legislative session.

“For too long, some county commissioners have remained in office for decades, leading to stagnation and limited accountability,” Salzman said in a news release.

“By filing this constitutional amendment, we are empowering Florida voters to decide if eight-year term limits are the right path forward, not only for county commissioners, but also for school board members. This measure ensures fresh perspectives, increased transparency, and a government that truly works for the people.”

Constitutional amendments other than citizen initiatives must receive support from each legislative chamber to be placed on the ballot. Once on the ballot, it must receive support from 60% of voters. 

A constitutional amendment to make school board races partisan failed in November.

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