Pembroke Pines Voters to Decide on Shifting Municipal Elections to November of Even-Numbered Years

Pembroke Pines residents will have the final say on a proposed change to the city's election calendar this November. The City Commission approved Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-02 on its second and final reading on August 5, 2026, setting the stage for a referendum on the November 2026 General Election ballot.

The ordinance proposes significant amendments to the City Charter, primarily shifting municipal general elections to November of even-numbered years. This change would affect how and when residents elect their local leaders.

Proposed Charter Amendments Under Review

The core of Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-02 involves amending several sections of the City Charter. Article I, Section 1.10, which defines 'Municipal General Election,' would be updated to reflect the new schedule. Similarly, Article III, Sections 3.02 ('Commission Members') and 3.05 ('Mayor'), would be amended to align the election dates with November of even-numbered years.

Additionally, Article III, Section 3.06, pertaining to the 'Vice Mayor,' would change the date for the Vice Mayor's annual election by the City Commission to the first meeting in December. These proposed changes are pursuant to Chapter 75-350, Laws of Florida, as amended.

Impacts on Election Calendar and Term Lengths

If voters approve the ordinance, it will lead to extensions in the current terms for some city officials. The Mayor and Commissioners in Districts 2 and 3 would see their terms extended until the November 2028 election. Commissioners in Districts 1 and 4 would have their terms extended until the November 2030 election. These term extensions are also pursuant to Section 5, Chapter 75-350, Laws of Florida, as amended.

Referendum Planned for November 2026 Ballot

The City Commission's approval on August 5, 2026, means the proposed ordinance will appear on the November 2026 General Election ballot. Qualified electors of Pembroke Pines will cast their votes on whether to adopt these amendments to the City Charter. The advertising for this referendum election will follow the guidelines set forth in the Code of Ordinances, the City Charter, and the State of Florida Election Code.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

During the August 5 meeting at Bright Beginnings Day Care Center, where the motion was passed, community input was noted. A citizen identified as 'Good' expressed opposition to moving the election. Another individual, 'Hernandez - Rodriquez #2058,' was also noted in connection with the discussion.

Pembroke Pines residents will make their decision on these significant changes when they head to the polls for the November 2026 General Election.