The 1986 Florida gubernatorial election took place alongside the midterm congressional elections. The
Democratic Party won many victories across the country (including retaking the
Senate). However, in
Florida, where Democrats gained the Senate seat from
Republicans, they lost the
Governorship for just the second time since Reconstruction.
The primaries took place on September 2, the runoffs on September 30, and the general election on November 4, 1986. This was the last time Republicans won
Palm Beach County until 2022, and the last time that Democrats won
Duval County until 2018.