A proposal that would overhaul the governance of the Naples Airport Authority by shifting board selection from City Council appointments to countywide elections cleared its final House committee stop.

The House State Affairs Committee approved HB 4005, sponsored by Naples Republican Rep. Adam Botana, sending the measure to the House floor.

The proposal would require members of the Naples Airport Authority board to be elected by Collier County voters beginning with the November 2026 election. Three of the five seats would be reserved for city residents, while two seats would be filled by voters outside Naples city limits. All five members would be elected countywide.

GrayRobinson lawyer and lobbyist Joseph Salzverg, speaking on behalf of the city of Naples, said the city continues to oppose the legislation. The proposal follows months of conflict over airport governance, including the authority’s recent rejection of federal grants and a failed effort by the City Council to expand its oversight of the airport. Naples Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison has also clashed with members of the Collier legislative delegation over the bill, at times using profane language to argue that it undermines home rule.

Salzverg argued that countywide elections would dilute the voting power of Naples residents even though the airport is located almost entirely within city boundaries.

He also questioned provisions allowing board vacancies to be filled by gubernatorial appointment without a specified time limit, the repeal of prohibitions on city employees serving on the board, and changes to board member compensation and removal standards. He further warned that the bill could create unintended consequences for grants, bonding and financing if the authority’s status changes.

Earlier versions of the proposal were amended to broaden eligibility requirements for board candidates. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in financial management, small-business operations, or the aerospace industry, as defined in state law.

Committee members voted unanimously Tuesday to advance the bill to the House floor. If approved by the full House and Senate and signed, current board members would serve until certification of the 2026 General Election results — at which point newly elected members would take office.

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