City

Mayor Bill Mutz will not run for reelection in 2025

Come December 2025, Lakeland will enter a new mayoral era.

March 21, 2024 • 
Amelia Herring
The Lakeland City Commission Chamber as seen from the audience seats. It features a large semicircular desk with name placards for commission members, and a podium with a microphone for speakers. Behind the desk are a US flag, State of Florida flag, and the City of Lakeland logo on the wall.

The City Commission meets here in City Hall.

Photo provided by the City of Lakeland

After leading the Lakeland City Commission since 2018, Mayor Bill Mutz has announced he will not run for reelection when his current term concludes in December 2025.

Over the last six years, Mayor Mutz has co-led several initiatives alongside the City Commission and other community agencies, including:

  • Creating LkldArts.org, a comprehensive guide to Lakeland’s art scene sponsored by the Mayor’s Council of the Arts
  • Launching “Lift Lakeland,” an initiative with aims to increase economic, educational, and civic involvement + improve community-centered relationships through various programs
  • Leading negotiations with city staff to add passenger flights at Lakeland Linder International Airport

In an interview with LkldNow, Mutz stated that he feels confident about the city’s future thanks to the leadership within the City Commission, but he still plans to keep a boots-on-the-ground approach through the end of his term.

The election for Mayor Mutz’s replacement will be held in November 2025. Interested candidates must file before the period ends in September 2025, though official dates have not yet been announced. Get to know more about Lakeland’s government system and how you can get involved.