Committee backs change to elect Naples Airport Authority board after amendment

Representative Botana presented HB 4,005 to give voters — not the city council — the power to choose the City of Naples Airport Authority board and to remove several limits on members’ duties and compensation. "This bill provides the City of Naples Airport Authority Board by election rather than appointment by the city council," he said.

Supporters framed the change as returning authority to voters and the sponsor offered an amendment to broaden who can qualify to run. "This opens it up," Botana said, describing the amendment as allowing small‑business owners and financial managers to serve.

Jason Unger, an opponent, said the bill could leave Naples residents out of control of the airport. "The airport is located in the city of Naples. There are seats slotted for both the city residents and for county residents, but because the city is only 6% of the county population and the elections are countywide, all the seats will be controlled by the votes coming from outside of the city of Naples," Unger said. He also warned that the bill would permit city employees to serve and receive compensation and that the governor — not the city — would fill certain vacancies.

There were no amendments opposed in committee and the sponsor waived closing. The committee voted to adopt the amendment by voice and later reported HB 4,005 favorably by roll call (15 ayes, 0 nays).

Next steps: HB 4,005 was reported favorably out of committee and will move to the full House for further consideration.