On March 9, 2026, the City of Winter Springs Commission adopted Resolution No. 2026-03 establishing a temporary ad hoc Charter Review Committee and appointed seven citizens to serve on the Committee to provide a comprehensive review of the City Charter in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Resolution.
The Committee only serves in an advisory capacity to the Commission. It is charged with evaluating and making a recommendation on whether the provisions of the City Charter need to be amended to align with applicable state and federal law, and whether the provisions of the City Charter are substantially consistent with the Model City Charter, 9th Edition, published by the National Civic League, and if not, whether the City Charter should be amended to be substantially consistent with the Model City Charter, 9th Edition or remain the same.
The Committee is also free to recommend other amendments.
The deadline for the Committee to complete its work and written final report is November 2, 2027, after which the City Commission will then determine whether any of those recommendations should be submitted to the electorate for a vote in the November 7, 2028, general election.
Residents are encouraged to attend any of the scheduled meetings to provide input to the committee during public comment.
Winter Springs Charter Review 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a city charter?
A municipal charter functions like a city’s constitution. It provides the broad framework for how the City of Winter Springs operates, including vision, mission, government structure, election rules, chain of command, and fiscal authorities. More detailed procedures are handled by ordinances and city policies.
2. Why is Winter Springs conducting a charter review in 2026?
Charter reviews ensure that the city’s governing document remains aligned with the city’s current needs, population, and best practices. Reviews also allow elected officials and residents to evaluate whether the structure of government and its processes remain effective.
3. What is a Charter Review Committee (CRC)?
A CRC is a temporary advisory group—sometimes created directly by the charter or by ordinance—responsible for reviewing charter language, studying issues, and recommending updates to the City Commission. The Commission may then place proposed changes on a ballot for voter consideration. Citizen involvement is considered essential.
4. How common are city charters in Florida?
All 411 cities, towns, and villages in Florida have charters, and none are identical. Each charter varies based on history, governance style, and community needs.
5. What topics does a charter typically cover?
Common elements include:
• Preamble
• City boundaries
• Legislative body
• Form of government
• Defined charter officer positions
• Fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities
• Amendment process
6. What form of government does Winter Springs have?
Winter Springs uses the commission‑manager form of government like many comparable cities. In this model, the professional city manager handles administration while the elected commission sets policy.
7. How does Winter Springs compare to similar Florida cities?
There are several similar to Winter Springs, typically having five elected seats, including the mayor. Population peers include Altamonte Springs, Haines City, Oviedo, Parkland, and Leesburg.
8. Are charter reviews required by state law?
No. Review intervals are determined by each city. Some cities schedule reviews every 10–20 years, while newly incorporated towns often set a five‑year “starter” review. A petition process also exists in many communities.
9. What best practices should guide the Winter Springs charter review?
• Strong collaboration between staff and the CRC
• Public forums and open discussions
• Online access to agendas, minutes, current charter language, and proposed amendments
• Community education on the charter
• Partnerships with civic organizations for public engagement
10. What issues commonly arise in charter reviews?
• Overlapping authority between entities
• Confusing or outdated election language
• Excessively detailed charter sections
11. What questions should the community consider during the review?
• Is the charter aligned with the city’s current population and demographics?
• Is the council representative of residents and businesses?
• Does the charter support professional administration?
• Is the city encouraging public participation in the review process?
• Is the city providing civic education about the charter?
12. Where can residents learn more about city charters?
• National Civic League – Model City Charter
• Municode library
• Florida League of Cities