A measure proposed by Naples Republican Rep. Adam Botana to overhaul the Naples Airport Authority won full approval in the Florida House.
The House approved HB 4005, which would shift the five-member Naples Airport Authority Board from City Council appointments to countywide elections beginning in November.
Botana briefly presented HB 4005 on Wednesday as a local bill that would require members of the Naples Airport Authority to be elected rather than appointed, offering no additional debate or questions from members. The bill has previously drawn sharp criticism from Naples city officials and follows disputes over the airport’s future growth and grant funding.
Critics say shifting to countywide elections could dilute the voice of city officials and residents who are more cautious about airport growth, while supporters have said the proposal would give all county residents a voice.
If approved by the full Legislature, the bill would require all five members to be elected by voters across Collier County, with three members residing within the City of Naples and two in Collier County but outside of the city limits. Candidates must also have at least five years of experience in financial management, small-business operations or the aerospace industry.
All five seats would appear on the 2026 General Election ballot, but members elected from odd-numbered seats would serve four-year terms while even-numbered seats would initially carry two-year terms. All subsequent terms would last for four years.
In addition to changing how members are selected, the bill removes statutory provisions that prohibit city officers or employees from serving on the Authority and eliminates language barring compensation for Board members. It also provides that any Midterm vacancy would be filled by gubernatorial appointment. Current Board members would serve until certification of the November 2026 election results.
The measure was approved by the House without amendment, passing overwhelmingly on a 112-1 vote. If approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, the changes would take effect upon becoming law – although a companion bill has not yet been filed in the Senate.
