Executive Order Declares District 1 Commission Vacancy; Special Election Set for 2026 Cycle
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-76, formally declaring a vacancy on the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners following the death of District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts on February 24, 2026.
The executive order, dated March 24 and published this week by the Executive Office of the Governor, cites provisions of the Florida Constitution and state law requiring the governor to officially recognize a vacancy when a sitting public official passes away. The declaration initiates the legal process to fill the open seat.
By Friday afternoon, the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website reflected the change, listing the District 1 commission seat as open for a special election during the 2026 election cycle. County commissioners serve four-year terms, and Felts had been elected in 2024, leaving more than 28 months remaining in her term at the time of her passing.
Under Florida Statute § 100.111(1)(a), a special election is required when more than half of a term remains unexpired. The upcoming election will allow voters in District 1 to select a new commissioner to complete the remainder of the term.
Although the race was not officially open until the issuance of the executive order, interest in the seat had already developed. At least nine individuals had previously filed paperwork indicating their intent to run in the 2028 election while awaiting confirmation of the vacancy. With the special election now scheduled, those prospective candidates are expected to update their filings to compete in the 2026 race. Additional candidates may also enter the contest now that the seat has been formally opened.
State law also provides the governor with the authority to make a temporary appointment. Under Article IV, Section 1(f) of the Florida Constitution, the governor may appoint an individual to serve in the vacant seat until the special election is held and a successor is elected by voters. The timeline for a potential interim appointment has not been announced.
