Local governments in Florida are established by the state government, and are given varying amounts of non-exclusive authority over their jurisdictions. The laws governing the creation of local governments are contained in the Florida Constitution and the Florida Statutes. Local governments are incorporated by special acts of the Florida Legislature. These include four types: counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts.[1]
In some cases, municipal and county governments have merged into a consolidated government. However, smaller municipal governments can be created inside of a consolidated municipality/county. In Jacksonville, the municipal government has taken over the responsibilities normally given to Duval County, and smaller municipalities exist within it.
Both counties and cities may have a legislative branch (commissions or councils) and executive branch (mayor or manager) and local police, but violations are brought before a county court. Counties and municipalities are authorized to pass laws (ordinances), levy taxes, and provide public services within their jurisdictions. Every area of Florida is in a county, but only some areas have been incorporated as municipalities. Every municipality is in a county, and the county jurisdiction overlays the municipal jurisdiction. If there is a conflict between a county ordinance and a municipal ordinance, the municipal ordinance usually has precedence within the municipality's borders; however, if the county has been designated a charter county by the Florida Legislature, the county's ordinances have precedence.[1]
Counties and municipalities may create community development agencies, which may take part of the money from taxes on increases in property values from their area of interest. They then use the money received in reinvestment (improvements) in the area.[2]
Local government is not required to pay for health care insurance for government retirees. As of 2010, none do.[3]
In 2011, researchers at Florida State University said that Florida's cities and counties have promised pensions they cannot afford. Pension obligations constituted 8% of total spending by local governments in 2009.[4]
- ^ a b Dye, T.R., Jewett, A. & MacManus, S.A. (2007) Politics in Florida. Tallahassee: John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government.
- ^ "Community Redevelopment Agency". Archived from the original on 2012-03-04. Retrieved 2013-06-25.
- ^ Edmondson, Raymond (16 February 2011). "Stop the fear mongering". Florida Today. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 9A.
- ^ "Fort Lauderdale: Study finds promised penions too costly". Florida Today. Melbourne, Florida. 11 February 2011. pp. 8B.