Special District Accountability Program

(www.FloridaJobs.org/SpecialDistricts)

Welcome

Welcome to the Special District Accountability Program - Florida's centralized source of information about the 1,860-plus special districts in the state and their requirements. Resources and information are categorized as follows to help you find what you are seeking.

The Special District Accountability Program

• About the Special District Accountability Program: Review the purposes and responsibilities of the Special District Accountability Program.

The 2022 Florida Association of Special Districts Annual Conference

The 2022 Florida Association of Special Districts Annual Conference will be held June 13 - 16, 2022, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The Special District Accountability Program has provided limited funding to pay conference registration fees to help individuals from eligible special districts attend this valuable educational event. Key session topics include accountability requirements, intergovernmental affairs, strategic planning, ethics, open government, elections, labor law, legislative updates, and governance and leadership. Funding does not include any other expenses, such as travel, hotel, meals or per diem. For more information, see the Reimbursement Program page. Please be aware that this event is hosted by the Florida Association of Special Districts, not the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Information about Individual Special Districts and County and Statewide Data

• Official List of Special Districts: Search an online database to find up-to-date and uniform information about Florida's special districts. Users may access information through quick summary reports, select variables of interest to create customized reports, and download Excel spreadsheets. Available information includes each special district's official name, its registered agent and registered office, its independent or dependent status, its special purpose, the county or counties in which it has territory, and its official web address where additional information about the special district is posted.

Special District Requirements and Operating Procedures

• An Overview of Florida's Special Districts (February 2022): View a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the general aspects of special districts. Covered topics include special district basics, transparency and accountability, and oversight and enforcement.
• Florida Special District Handbook Online: An online handbook, consisting of more than 25 webpages of material submitted by 15 state agencies, designed to help special district staff and governing body members understand and comply with general state requirements. Popular sections include:
  • Subject Index and "Handbook Topics" listed on the main Florida Special District Handbook Online page: Find information faster.
  • Introduction to Special Districts: Learn what a special district is, how special districts are created and dissolved and the difference between "dependent" and "independent" special districts.
  • Newly Created Special District Responsibilities: Find out how to register with the state for the first time and how to comply with other important requirements.
  • Develop and Maintain an Official Website: See a list of items that must be posted on each special district's official website.
  • How to Change a Registered Agent and / or a Registered Office: Find out how to notify the state upon making a change to a special district's registered agent and / or registered office.
  • Reporting Requirements By Due Date: Review a "calendar" of dates to help ensure that filings occur on time.
  • The Public Facilities Report: Look up the due date(s) for filing the public facilities report with the appropriate county and / or municipality:
    • Create a Customized List - Public Facilities Updated Report Due Dates for Certain Independent Special Districts Based on the Evaluation and Appraisal Notification Schedule 2019 - 2025
    • Quick List - Public Facilities Updated Report Due Dates for Certain Independent Special Districts Based on the Evaluation and Appraisal Notification Schedule 2019 - 2025

Special District Accountability, Oversight and Enforcement

• Special District Accountability and Oversight: Learn about special district accountability to state and local agencies and what may happen when a special district fails to comply with a filing requirement. For additional information, see the Florida Special District Handbook Online - Oversight Reviews and Accountability Overview sections.
• Special District Noncompliance Status Reports: Review reports prepared by state agencies listing each special district that did not comply with a filing requirement.

Questions or Concerns about a Special District?

• Common Issues Regarding Special Districts: Find resources that have been useful to those with questions or concerns about a special district.

The Annual State Fee (for special districts only)

• Purpose of the State Fee - The Florida Special District Handbook Online - Collecting an Annual State Fee to Fund the Program: Find out more about the required state fee and whether a special district may qualify for a zero fee.
• Pay the Annual Special District State Fee Online: Use a Visa or MasterCard, or transfer funds directly from a checking account to pay the state fee. It's fast, easy and free!

Contact Information

• Special District Accountability Program Contact: (see the "Contacts" box in the upper right corner of this page).
  • Mailing Address:
    • Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
    • Division of Community Development
    • Special District Accountability Program
    • 107 E Madison Street, MSC-160
    • Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100