Destin considers bringing a vast stretch of unincorporated land inside city limits, but residents will have their say first
Destin, Florida – A proposal that could redraw Destin’s municipal map is moving toward two public hearings this summer, giving residents a formal chance to weigh in before any annexation question reaches voters.
At the center of the discussion is more than 2,076 acres of unincorporated land in Okaloosa County, all located east and south of Choctawhatchee Bay. The area could become part of the City of Destin if the process advances and the measure is ultimately approved at the ballot box.
The Destin City Council will hold the first public hearing on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. A second hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 3, 2026, also at 6 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the City Hall Annex, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail in Destin.
Together, the two hearings will give the public separate opportunities to comment on a boundary change involving a substantial stretch of land. The council will hear those views while considering whether to adopt the ordinance and continue the annexation process.
Council members will consider Ordinance No. 26-20-LC, which proposes using Florida’s uniform, or “involuntary,” annexation method to bring the properties within Destin’s municipal limits. The ordinance describes the proposed area as approximately 2,076.095 acres of unincorporated land lying east and south of Choctawhatchee Bay.
If adopted, the ordinance would amend Destin’s city charter by redefining the city’s corporate boundaries. It would also direct the city manager to take the steps needed to carry out the annexation and require the city clerk to file the ordinance with the Okaloosa County Clerk of the Circuit Court, the county’s chief administrative officer and the Florida Department of State within 30 days of adoption.
The hearings are intended to receive public comment and allow the council to consider whether the annexation proposal should move forward. Passage by the council would not be the final step. The proposal would then go to voters for a decision.
Residents who want to review the details before the meetings may inspect copies of the proposed ordinance, the legal description and a map of the affected area at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail, during normal business hours.
Anyone who may later appeal a decision made during the meetings should ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is created, including the testimony and evidence used in the appeal, as outlined under Florida law.
People with disabilities who need assistance to participate should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (850) 837-4242 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
