Section 2.5 (c)(ii) of the Town Charter, requires that when a vacancy occurs, in a position of Town Council of an unexpired term of more than six (6) months, the vacancy shall be filled by the nomination of the Mayor subject to confirmation by the Town Council. The nominee shall fill the vacancy until the next regularly scheduled election in Miami-Dade County, at which time an election shall be held to fill the vacancy.

On July 26th, 2017, Councilmember Ruano was appointed and unanimously confirmed by the Town Council to occupy Seat 3, which had been vacated by Councilmember Tony Lama. When Councilmember Lama vacated his seat, he had more than six months in his unexpired term; thus, Councilmember Ruano will serve until the date of the next County's next scheduled election, pursuant to Section 2.5(c) (ii) of the Town Charter.

The next regularly scheduled election of Miami-Dade County is on August 28, 2018. The Supervisor of Elections of Miami Dade County has approved Tuesday, August 28, 2018 as the date to hold the Special Election for Seat 3 of the Town of Miami Lakes, pursuant to Florida Statute 100.151, which require Municipal Clerks to notify and obtain approval from the Supervisor of Elections in the county in which the municipality is located for the date of any special election.