Our History

The City of Sebastian was originally incorporated under the general laws as the "Town of Sebastian" in 1924, then reincorporated by the state legislature in 1925.

The 1925 Charter act was amended at successive sessions of the legislature until 1933, when by Chapter 16683, a subsequent Charter was approved. Since 1933, Chapter 16683 has been amended, superseded and added to by numerous legislative enactments, resulting in a patchwork of laws affecting the City creating a confusing legal condition in some areas of the city's government.

Today, the City operates under the general laws of the State as provided by the Florida State Constitution. These general laws make obsolete many of the provisions of old municipal charters. The current Charter of the City of Sebastian was approved at the referendum election held June 8, 1971.

On March 10, 1987 the voters approved the change from a strong Mayor form of government to a City Council/City Manager form of government.

The Sebastian River Area Historical Society maintains a museum in the Old Schoolhouse/City Hall Building adjacent to City Hall.

back to top