How to run for office in Lakeland

Are you eligible to run for office in Lakeland? Learn how you can get started, as well as what positions are available this year, here.

Copy of LAL-General Hero

Get ready to hit the trail — the local campaign trail, that is.

Photo via @missmarriahadeline | Graphic via 6AM City

Table of Contents

So, you want to run for office? Good for you. Here’s how you get started.

The City of Lakeland’s filing period is now open for interested candidates to apply to run for public office, and it will close in September 2025 ahead of the November 2025 vote.

Upcoming opportunities to serve

  • Mayor
  • At Large: Seat 1
  • District C: Southwest
  • District D: Southeast
Map of commissioner districts

City of Lakeland Commissioners Districts, North | Map via The City of Lakeland

Map via The City of Lakeland

map of commissioner districts 2

City of Lakeland Commissioners Districts, South | Map via The City of Lakeland

Map via The City of Lakeland

All of the elected positions will include four-year terms. The term of office for council members is staggered, meaning half of the positions are elected every two years. If elected, these candidates will serve until Dec. 31, 2029.

Do you qualify to run?

You can apply to run for public office if you are:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Currently registered to vote
  • A resident of your district + Lakeland
  • Able to commit to a four-year term

Visit the City Clerk’s website to learn more about the requirements for local office and how you can pick up your application packet.

More from LALtoday
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.
What did Lakeland look like in 1926? We’re firing up the time machine for a 100-year trip to the past.