FLCityWeek - Home Rule
Home Rule: Local Decisions Made by Local Communities
As part of Florida City Week (FLCityWeek), the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills is highlighting one of the most important principles guiding local governance in Florida—Home Rule.
Home Rule is the constitutional authority that empowers Florida’s cities, towns, and villages to make decisions on local matters without requiring specific approval from the State Legislature. Established in Article VIII, Section 2(b) of the Florida Constitution, Home Rule allows municipalities to adopt ordinances, pass resolutions, and make policy decisions that reflect the unique needs, values, and priorities of their residents.
Watch this short video to learn more about how Home Rule empowers Florida’s municipalities:
https://youtu.be/PSlq93Lm9mY?si=Gvh03kqMiqJZuuPq
For the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills, Home Rule ensures that local decisions—ranging from land use and community development to public safety, utilities, and parks—are made by the people who know our community best: our Mayor, Town Council, and staff, working directly with residents.
This authority gives the Town the flexibility to respond quickly to local challenges, preserve its distinctive character, and plan for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Home Rule embodies the very spirit of municipal government: local voices making local choices. It is what allows communities like Howey-in-the-Hills to thrive through self-governance, innovation, and civic engagement.
