Miami approves $150K payout for mayoral candidate who fought election date change
The city of Miami will pay out $150,000 to cover the legal fees for Emilio González, a candidate for mayor who sued the city last year after it attempted to postpone the election from 2025 to 2026.
In June, the city passed an ordinance moving the city from odd- to even-year elections. The change postponed the November 2025 election to 2026, giving the city’s elected officials an extra year in office — including those who would have otherwise been termed out.
González, a former city manager who was a declared candidate at the time the city postponed the election, filed a lawsuit arguing that the ordinance was “unlawful and invalid.” A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge and the Third District Court of Appeal sided with González, finding the ordinance violated the Florida Constitution because it amended the city charter without voter approval.
The Third DCA also determined that the city was on the hook to cover González’s attorneys’ fees, which the parties negotiated down to $150,000, according to the city’s legislation.
The Miami City Commission approved the payout Thursday without discussion.
Reached by the Miami Herald on Friday, González said: “It should never have come to this.” He declined further comment.
González was the second-place finisher in last year’s crowded race for mayor, losing in a December runoff to Eileen Higgins.
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