After Disney opposed DeSantis’ legislation colloquially known as ‘Don’t Say Gay’ restricting what teachers and administrators can teach in Florida public schools, DeSantis punished them by taking away Disney’s self-governing Reedy Creek District by special legislation.
The authority for a Community Development District (CDD) was established by Florida's "Uniform Community Development District Act of 1980". As authorized by Florida Statutes, Chapter 190, a CDD is an independent, local, special purpose government framework, and is a funding mechanism to provide and maintain amenities in a new community.
The CDD is a legal entity with the power and right to enter into contracts; to own both real and personal property; adopt bylaws, rules and regulations, and orders; to sue and be sued; to obtain funds by borrowing; to issue bonds; to impose assessments and levy taxes on property within the District. A Board of Supervisors is elected by the landowners of the District.
Florida has many Community Development Districts, most notable probably is The Villages.
The Villages is a census-designated place in Sumter, Lake and Marion counties, covering 57 square miles. It is also a Community Development District allowed by law to act as its own government, with all that entails.
The Villages is primarily for 55 and older residents and is known for being a Republican stronghold in Central Florida.
The Villages offers 50 golf courses, hundreds of other activities and clubs, including arts and crafts, book clubs, games, dancing and singles events. There’s also nightly entertainment in the three town squares, which feature a variety of restaurants and shops.
Will Governor DeSantis make a move to end all special governing districts in the state, or are only those who show opposition to the Governor’s new laws and policies in danger of being disbanded?
About the writer: Matthew Woodruff is an Independent Journalist and Author who believes in Freely Accessible, Honest and Open Reporting. Visit at MattWoodruffAuthor.com.
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