In November 2009, the citizens of Pensacola voted to adopt a new City Charter, replacing the old Charter last written in 1931.

Previously under the 1931 Charter, the City of Pensacola was governed by a council-manager form of government. Under the new Charter, the City is now governed by a Mayor - Council form of government, with a separate Executive (Mayor) branch and Legislative (Council) branch of government.

The City Council is the governing body of the City with all legislative powers of the City vested therein, consisting of nine (9) Council Members, one (1) elected from each of the seven (7) election districts of the City, and two Council Members elected at large (“A” and “B”). The Mayor is elected at large and is not a member of the City Council.

The nonpartisan primary and general election of the Council Members and the Mayor are held in the manner provided in Article VI of the Charter and the terms of office for Mayor and Council Members are four (4) years and commence on the fourth Tuesday in November after his or her election at 12 o’clock noon. (Terms of office for the Mayor and Council Members are as provided in Section 3.03 of the Charter.)

The Mayor serves in a full-time capacity in order to exercise the executive powers of the City and supervises all departments, including, but not limited to, the power to appoint, discipline, and remove all officers and employees, unless otherwise provided in the Charter. Further, the Mayor determines, consistent with the Charter, the organization of the City government and the power and duties assigned to the various departments.

The Mayor is also responsible for submitting an annual budget and capital program to the City Council, which may amend, and ultimately approves the budget. The Mayor submits to the City Council and makes available to the public, a complete report of the finances and administrative activities of the City at the end of each fiscal year; and keeps the City Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the City.

The City Council legislates for the City by adopting ordinances and resolutions in the best interest of all citizens of the City; adopts the annual budget and all other appropriations necessary for efficient City government; and may inquire into the conduct of any municipal office, department, agency or officer and may investigate municipal affairs.

In addition, several new provisions were added to the City government, such as: line-item veto power by the Mayor, veto override power by the Council, a code of ethics for all employees and officials, term limits, regular charter review processes, and giving the citizens the right to legislate (initiative & referendum).

Please click the link below to a view a copy of the new Pensacola City Charter document.