Florida City elections - Runoff on Tuesday, February 17

Changing of the Guard in Florida City. For the first time in 42 years, voters in Florida City will not see the name of Mayor Otis T. Wallace on their municipal election ballots. In the runoff elections on February 17, 2026, they will elect a new Mayor and Commissioner. We are proud to spotlight two Democrats who are running, Vice Mayor Sharon "Sheep" Smith-Butler and Trina Wilborn

No early voting will take place. There will be two election day polling locations: the Florida City/Homestead Service Center, for those voters residing in precinct 922, and Florida City City Hall, for those in precincts 951 and 955.

If voting by mail, be sure to add postage and mail by Friday 2/13 at the latest.

Here is the sample ballot

Sharon "Sheep" Smith-Butler is a lifelong Florida City native and seasoned public servant who has served her community for more than 17 years as Vice Mayor and City Commissioner. Her professional background includes work with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Florida Department of Corrections, and extensive faith-based and community service, giving her a deep understanding of public safety, education, and neighborhood needs.

Smith-Butler is running for Mayor to continue promoting honest, effective government that puts residents ahead of politics and self-interest. Her priorities include strengthening public safety, expanding programs for seniors, improving neighborhood lighting and infrastructure, and increasing community involvement. With decades of experience, a steady hand, and a deep commitment to her city, she believes she remains the best choice to lead Florida City forward.

Trina Wilborn is a lifelong public servant and proud product of Florida City, raised in the heart of the community after being born to a military family overseas. She brings a rare blend of frontline experience, from nursing and child advocacy to business leadership, where she managed multimillion-dollar operations and led large teams with accountability and care. Trina is running for City Commissioner because she sees a city with real potential and residents who deserve leaders focused on solutions, not excuses.

Her work with children in the DCF system, youth mentorship through her nonprofit, and training through the Miami-Dade Police Citizen Academy reflect her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable while strengthening public safety and trust. As a mother and community advocate, Trina Wilborn offers Florida City steady, transparent, and community-first leadership rooted in action, integrity, and lived experience.

Those elected will face a vastly different landscape than Mayor Wallace did in 1984, when he became one of the first Black elected officials in Florida. The Florida City population, then a little over 6000, has more than doubled to over 12K, spurred by a recent land development rush in South Dade. The largest share of Florida City's registered voters is now Hispanic, rather than Black. What has not changed, and what will continue to challenge those elected in January, is the high percentage of city residents in poverty, currently estimated at over 30%. Legislative proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes could seriously impact city services to those who most need them.

Despite Florida City's increasing population, the total number of active registered voters has declined by 815, or nearly 13%, in the last two years. During the same time period, the number of Democrats has fallen 825 or 23.5%, perhaps reflecting the voter roll purge that Election Supervisor Alina Garcia carried out last spring, which disproportionately affected Democrats. The last day to request a vote by mail ballot is January 15, 2026.

A candidate forum was held at 6:00 pm, January 15, 2026, at Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, 1055 NW 6th Ave., Florida City, FL 33034. The event is sponsored by the NAACP, South Dade Branch, the Pi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Pi Nu Chapter of Omega Pi Phi Fraternity, and Covenant Missionary Baptist Church.'

candidates are welcome to send bios or updates to [email protected]

The Bylaws of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party prohibit our endorsement of any Democrat over another in this election.