Highlands County is governed by five elected County Commissioners and an appointed County Administrator. The County Administrator and the Assistant County Administrator have executive powers to implement all decisions, ordinances, motions, and the policies and procedures set forth by the Board. This is achived through department directors and administrative personnel who report directly to the County Administrator.

The County Administrator provides fiscal and policy recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, including a proposed annual county operating and capital improvement budget, as well as ongoing analysis and recommendations on all matters of public policy before the Board.