How we can create florida's 68th county
What Law Defines How Florida Counties Are Established?
Article VIII, Section 1 of the Florida constitution defines the responsibilities of a county and the mechanisms for establishing one. Title 2, Section 7 of the Florida Statutes outlines the current boundaries of each of the state's 67 counties.
Who Has The Power to Create a New County?
Article VIII, Section 1, Part A states the following:
Counties may be created, abolished or changed by law
State Laws are proposed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor. They have the power to make this happen.
Is There Precedent For Creating A New County?
Yes.
In the early 90s, numerous beach communities within Duval County proposed breaking away and forming Ocean County. Their motivations were similar - taxation without representation and grouping up with other communities with similar priorities to address.
The only reason the effort ceased was when a coastal community resident was elected Jacksonville Mayor, and elevated the priorities of the coastal area.
How Would Vital Services Be Provided To The New County?
There are many options to ensure residents receive essential services such as public safety, education, and utilities. Some communities to be included already have these in place - like the St. Augustine Beach Police Department or Flagler Beach Fire department.
Via incorporating existing infrastructure, utilizing inter-local agreements, and establishing new instiutions, the new leadership of Trump County will ensure world class services are provided to the community.
What Is The Benefit To The Residents?
Coastal communities have unique priorities that differ from those of inland communities. Chief amongst those priorities is storm preparation and beach management.
Flagler County is the only county in Florida without an approved and funded beach management plan. Despite the barrier island being a net exporter of tax dollars to the remainder of the county, inland communities show little interest in supporting plans to maintain the coastline. Further, barrier island residents have been tasked with paying even more in taxes.
Therefore, it only makes sense for coastal communities to pool their tax dollars and take control of their destiny and tackle their area specific issues head-on.