State Study of Special Districts
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott sounded determined a year and a half ago when he demanded a thorough review of obscure special taxing districts that have the power to “tax, spend and incur debt at the expense of Florida taxpayers.”
Scott was surprised that so many appointees who never have to face voters had the power to tax, so he signed an order on Jan. 11, 2012, ordering his budget experts to scrutinize nearly 1,700 districts and whether they serve “a legitimate public interest.”
Eighteen months later, the districts are still thriving, as Scott’s tough talk meets the reality that special districts have clout.