Special District Information Program:
Introduction to Special Districts in Florida
(FloridaJobs.org/SpecialDistricts)

Welcome to the Special District Information Program - Florida’s centralized source of information about our 1,615-plus active special districts.

Special districts are local units of special purpose, as opposed to general-purpose, government within a limited boundary, created by general law, special act, local ordinance, or by rule of the Governor and Cabinet.

The private and public sectors use special districts to manage, own, operate, construct, maintain and finance basic capital infrastructure, facilities, and services, generating billions in revenues for Florida's economy and creating private-sector jobs.

Every parcel of land in Florida is covered by at least one special district. These special districts serve a necessary and useful function by providing services to residents and property. Special districts have a substantial impact on the lives of every Floridian and on the state's economy. For these reasons, special districts must be held highly accountable.

The Uniform Special District Accountability Act (Chapter 189, Florida Statutes) holds all special districts accountable and accessible to state agencies, the municipalities and counties in which they operate, and the citizens they serve.

The Department, through its Special District Information Program, administers this act and serves as the state's only central location for special district information. 

Popularly Requested Special District Resources on our Website

To help you find what you are seeking, this section of our web site is organized as follows:

Official List of Special Districts Online

Florida Special District Handbook Online

Special Districts At a Glance

  1. Responsibilities of The Special District Information Program
  2. An Introduction to Special Districts - Includes:
    • Special Districts Defined
    • How Special Districts are Created and Dissolved
    • The Difference Between "Dependent" and "Independent" Special Districts
    • Examples of Special Districts
  3. Reasons Why Special Districts Are Created
  4. Special District Accountability and Oversight - Includes:
    • What May Happen When Special Districts Fail to Comply with Certain Requirements
  5. Resolving Problems with Special Districts - Includes:
    • How to Obtain Information / Official Records From  A Special District
  6. Special District Resources and Contacts - Find contact telephone numbers and other information about specialized topics (financial reporting, ethics, Government-in-the-Sunshine, financial emergencies, etc.)
  7. Special District Basics Presentation - A PowerPoint Presentation about special districts

Pay Your Special District Annual Fee Online

Additional Information

Please contact us directly if you have any questions about special districts:

  • Jack Gaskins Jr.
    • Department of Economic Opportunity
    • Division of Community Development
    • Special District Information Program
    • 107 E Madison Street, MSC-400
    • Tallahassee, FL 32399-6508
    • Telephone: 850-717-8430
    • Email (see Email link upper right)

Media Inquiries

Contacts

  • Jack Gaskins Jr.

    (850) 717-8430
    Fax: (850) 410-1555

2012 Annual Conference: June 5 – 7, 2012

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