New Smyrna Beach is approximately 38 square miles in size and is located on Florida’s east coast, in the County of Volusia, just north of Cape Canaveral with easy access to both Interstate 95 and Interstate 4.

• 15 miles south of Daytona Beach
• 56 miles east of Orlando
• 40 miles north of Kennedy Space Center
• 109 miles south of Jacksonville
• 250 miles north of Miami
• Estimated 7 miles of Beach property
• Estimated 8 miles of Riverfront property

The City was created in 1887 by adoption of its first charter, which was eventually replaced by the present charter through Chapter 224.08, Special Acts of Florida, 1943. The legislative branch of the City is composed of an elected five-member City Commission consisting of the Mayor and four Commissioners. The Mayor is elected for a two year term and each Commissioner is elected for a four year term, alternating two zones every two years. On or before the first regularly scheduled meeting in November the Commission chooses a Vice Mayor from among its membership to serve in the absence of the Mayor and shall serve for a one year term.

The City Commission is governed by the City Charter and by state and local laws and regulations. The City Commission is responsible for the establishment and adoption of policy. The execution of such policy is the responsibility of the Commission-appointed City Manager.