I’d like to clarify a mistake in a previous article, Protecting Local Control of the Naples Airport, regarding the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) Special Act bill and provide an update on its legislative progress. The earlier article incorrectly described the bill’s status, and that information has since been corrected. This article aims to give a clear overview of where the bill currently stands and the next steps in the legislative pathway.
On September 15, 2025, the Collier County legislative delegation unanimously voted to advance the bill to the state level. It will now proceed to the relevant committees for review during the Florida Legislature’s 2026 Regular Session, which begins in January. The session is scheduled to last a maximum of 60 consecutive days, unless extended by a three-fifths vote of both the House and Senate.
How the Bill Progresses at the State Level
After passing the local legislative delegation, a special act begins its journey through the Florida Legislature. First, it is filed in the House and assigned to committees that review its content and hold public hearings. Stakeholders, including city officials and residents, can provide input and suggest amendments during the committee process.
The bill was officially filed in the Florida House on October 27, 2025, as HB 4005. It’s now waiting to be assigned to committees for discussion. A local bill is different from a regular bill because it doesn’t need a matching bill in the Senate. It only moves through one side of the Legislature. Therefore, if the House committees approve the bill, it moves to the full House for a vote. If passed by the House, the bill bypasses the Senate committee process and goes straight to the full Senate floor for a vote. If the Senate passes the bill, it is then sent to the Governor, who may sign it into law, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it. Once approved, the special act takes effect on the date specified in the legislation.
This multi-step process ensures careful review and opportunities for public input at every stage—from local approval to state oversight—before the law takes effect.
Local Oversight Matters
As the bill progresses, the City of Naples will continue to advocate for thoughtful and transparent dialogue that reflects the long-standing relationship between the Naples Airport and the community it serves.
Established in 1969, the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) was created by a special act of the Florida Legislature at the City’s request to manage and operate airport property that is, importantly, owned by the City of Naples. Essentially, the act gave the framework for local control and management of the airport while keeping the City as the landowner.
I believe that local governance of city-owned property is a cornerstone of effective community stewardship. Local oversight ensures that decisions about land use, operations, and infrastructure reflect the interests and values of those who live and work in Naples.
While residents of unincorporated Collier County benefit from airport services, the airport itself is a City asset, the lease is held by the City, and the City bears significant responsibility for oversight and accountability. Expanding board representation to include non-city residents would dilute local accountability and risk decisions that do not reflect the priorities of city residents.
As the legislative pathway unfolds, the City will continue to monitor the bill’s progress and engage constructively with state leaders to ensure that any future changes to the NAA’s structure maintain this vital principle: local governance should remain in local hands. Naples has a proud tradition of collaboration between its residents, elected officials, and partners at every level of government. Protecting that tradition remains a top priority as this important discussion continues in Tallahassee.
Please continue to stay engaged and make your voices heard.
Mayor Teresa Lee Heitmann
