The voters of the City of Sarasota elect a City Commission consisting of five members who are residents of the City. Three are elected from districts and two are elected at large. The Commissioners serve a four (4) year term, receive a reasonable annual compensation and may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with official duties.

The Mayor is selected annually by the Commission from its membership. The Mayor presides at all meetings of the City Commission, and is recognized as the official head of the City for purposes of serving civil processes, by the government in exercise of military law, and for all ceremonial purposes. The Mayor has no administrative responsibilities.

The City Commission is the policy making body in the City government. it is responsible for legislative action including enactment of ordinances and resolutions, adopting the annual budget, setting millage rate for taxes, contracting debts, granting franchises, appointing advisory boards, and appointing the administrative officers of the City (City Manager, City Auditor & Clerk and City Attorney).

The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission to serve as the chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager supervises all governmental and proprietary functions of the City and its departments and divisions, except for the legal department and City Auditor & Clerk's office. The City Manager presents the proposed budget to the City Commission annually and is responsible for its administration upon adoption. The City Manager provides advice to the City Commission and carries out the decisions of the City Commission.

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