Arianna Otero, Tallahassee Democrat
Wed, April 15, 2026 at 10:06 PM UTC
The Leon County Commission voted unanimously to schedule the first public hearing regarding the possible charter amendment that would give the county preemption power over the city.
The goal would be to feature this amendment on the 2026 ballot, with a main goal to counter one-sided city annexations of rural and other unincorporated areas.
The proposed charter amendment marks the latest step in Leon County’s ongoing tug‑of‑war with the city of Tallahassee. It would give county ordinances priority over city laws, although some fear it could worsen intergovernmental tensions.
Still, emotions are raw. County Commissioner Bill Proctor mentioned the recent hike in the fire service fee and the sale by the city of the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus to FSU, which “we had no voice in.”
“What makes Leon County government different is that we listen to our constituents and we give them an opportunity for their voices to be heard,” county commission chair Christian Caban said.
The county scheduled a public hearing on its proposal for May 12.
Arianna Otero is the trending and breaking news reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com and follow her on X: @ari_v_otero.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County Commission wants priority over Tallahassee laws