Naples Mediation Failed in Airport Land Dispute
The City of Naples and the Airport Authority concluded talks without an agreement regarding land lease and zoning control.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should local airport management boards be elected by voters rather than appointed by city officials?
Mediation between the City of Naples and the Naples Airport Authority concluded without a resolution to an ongoing land lease dispute. The talks followed Florida's mandatory intergovernmental conflict resolution process, leaving a pending lawsuit in place.
Why it matters
The City of Naples argues that a change in state law regarding airport board governance nullifies the existing 99-year land lease. Officials are challenging the constitutionality of HB 4005, which transitioned the airport authority to an elected board.
The airport authority currently leases 732 acres of city-owned land for $1 per year under an agreement signed in 1969. This contract is scheduled to expire in 2068, though the city claims state-mandated board governance changes invalidate the terms.
The players
Naples Airport Authority
This entity manages the Naples Municipal Airport and is currently transitioning to an elected board of commissioners.
City of Naples
This municipal government serves as the landlord for 732 acres of airport property and is a party in active litigation.
Collier County Supervisor of Elections
This official oversees the electoral process and is named as a defendant in the city's lawsuit regarding the new board structure.
The details
The mediation sessions, led by a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator, involved confidential caucuses to address zoning authority and lease terms. With no agreement reached, the City of Naples is expected to continue its lawsuit against the airport authority and the Collier County Supervisor of Elections.
Timeline
December 3, 1969: The original 99-year lease agreement was signed.
May 4, 2026: The City of Naples filed a lawsuit against the airport authority and Elections Supervisor.
October 2, 2026: Mediation sessions between the two parties concluded without a deal.
November 3, 2026: Collier County voters are scheduled to elect airport commissioners.
2068: The current lease for the airport property is set to expire.
Political Context
The opposition party and airport board members argue that the state's legislative changes are a necessary evolution to ensure local democratic oversight. They contend that the city's litigation attempts to undermine the mandate established by the Florida Legislature through HB 4005.
Residents may see continued legal spending by the city as the case against the airport authority proceeds through the court system. The outcome of the upcoming November election for airport commissioners will determine the board's future makeup and influence the ongoing land dispute.
The takeaway
This impasse highlights the complexities of transitioning government boards from appointed to elected status while managing legacy contracts. Stakeholders should monitor the November election results as they will likely influence the board's stance on the litigation.
What happens next
Collier County voters are scheduled to cast ballots for the Naples Airport Authority Board of Commissioners on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local government proceedings, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Press.
Live Poll
Should local airport management boards be elected by voters rather than appointed by city officials?
