From city council seats in Clermont, Groveland, and Minneola to Florida's next governor, here's what South Lake County residents should know before heading to the polls.

Election Day is just around the corner! On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters across South Lake County will head to the polls to help determine who represents their communities at the local, state, and federal levels.

While Florida's race for governor has attracted statewide attention, several important municipal elections are also taking place right here in Clermont, Groveland, and Minneola.

Here's a breakdown of the candidates and races residents can expect to see on the ballot.

Clermont voters will decide two contested City Council seats this November.

Seat 3 — Mayor

Seat 5 — City Council

Clermont's Seat 1 was also scheduled for election this year. However, Alison Strange was the only candidate to qualify and was elected without opposition, meaning that race will not appear on the November ballot.

These local officials help shape decisions involving city budgets, development, infrastructure, public services, and the future direction of Clermont.

Groveland residents will have three contested races to consider, including the mayor's office.

District 1 — Mayor

District 3 — City Council

District 5 — City Council

With Groveland continuing to experience residential and commercial development, the incoming council will face decisions involving infrastructure, public services, and long-term planning.

Minneola voters will also select representatives for three City Council seats.

Seat 1

Seat 3

Seat 5

As Minneola continues to grow, these elected officials will help oversee municipal services, local budgets, and future development decisions.

One of the most prominent races on the ballot is the election of Florida's next governor.

Current Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term, leaving the governor's office open.

The major-party candidates are:

Other qualified candidates include Libertarian Scott Jewett and several candidates running without party affiliation, including Dean Abrams, Charles Burkett, Jeffrey Datto, Moliere Dimanche, and Frank Russo. Write-in candidates have also qualified.

The next governor will oversee Florida's executive branch and play a major role in decisions involving the state budget, education, transportation, environmental policy, and other statewide priorities.

Florida voters will also choose who represents the state in the United States Senate.

The candidates include:

Moody was appointed to the Senate in 2025 following Marco Rubio's departure to become U.S. Secretary of State. The November election will determine who serves the remainder of that Senate term.

Other Statewide Elections

Several additional statewide offices will be decided on November 3.

These offices oversee important areas of state government, including legal affairs, financial administration, agriculture, and consumer services.

Three Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot

In addition to selecting elected officials, Florida voters will consider three proposed amendments to the state constitution.

Amendment 1 — Budget Stabilization Fund

Would increase the maximum size of Florida's budget stabilization fund and modify rules governing transfers and withdrawals.

Amendment 2 — Agricultural Property Tax Exemption

Would create a property tax exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism.

Amendment 3 — Property Taxes

Would increase the homestead exemption for certain non-school property taxes, change assessment limits for non-homestead properties, and make other changes to property tax rules.

Each proposed constitutional amendment requires at least 60% voter approval to pass.

Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Polls Open: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Early Voting: Available before Election Day, with locations and schedules determined by the county Supervisor of Elections.

Voters should bring an acceptable photo identification with a signature when voting in person. If the photo ID does not contain a signature, an additional form of identification showing a signature may be required.

Residents can check their registration status, review their sample ballot, and locate their assigned polling place through the Lake County Supervisor of Elections.

Official Election Information: www.lakevotes.gov

While statewide races often receive the most attention, municipal elections can have an especially direct impact on everyday life.

City council members and mayors help make decisions about roads, parks, utilities, public safety, development, and how local tax dollars are spent.

For communities like Clermont, Groveland, and Minneola, where population growth and new development continue to reshape the area, these decisions will help influence what South Lake County looks like in the years ahead.

Whether you're voting for the first time or have participated in elections for decades, taking a few minutes to review the candidates and issues can help you make an informed decision.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Make sure your voice is heard!