A proposal to remake the Naples Airport Authority as an elected Board cleared the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee with no debate, advancing a measure that has already stirred sharp tensions between Naples leaders and state lawmakers.
Rep. Adam Botana’s bill (HB 4005) would shift the five-member authority from a Board appointed by the Naples City Council to one elected by voters across Collier County. Botana briefly presented the bill, saying residents would benefit by having all seats put before voters.
“It takes the power of appointing from the City Council and gives it to the people,” Botana said to committee members.
The city of Naples registered its opposition during the hearing. GrayRobinson attorney and lobbyist Joseph Salzverg told lawmakers that the city is still reviewing the measure and is concerned about potential unintended consequences, though he said officials have continued conversations with Botana.
“The city at this time is respectfully opposed to the legislation, we are still reviewing it to see if any unintended consequences may arise from it,” Salzverg said.
“That being said, we understand the concerns of the sponsor. We have spoken a lot, as you can tell from our exchange when I came up here. That will continue. We’re trying to adequately satisfy his concerns and work through the process, but the client did want us to make sure that the opposition was on the record.”
Committee members offered no questions and no debate and advanced the bill with a 15-0 vote.
The proposal follows months of conflict over airport governance, including the authority’s recent rejection of federal grants and a failed effort by the City Council to expand its oversight of the airport. Naples Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison has also clashed with members of the Collier legislative delegation over the bill, at times using profane language to argue that it undermines home rule and could jeopardize safety and neighborhood impacts.
If the measure is approved by the Legislature, all five Airport Authority seats would go on the November 2026 ballot. One Board member, John Crees, would see his term cut about two years short by the election, unless he is elected by Collier County voters.
