§ 50-3. General findings.

It is hereby ascertained, determined, and declared that:

(1)

Pursuant to Article VIII, section 1, Florida Constitution, and F.S. §§ 125.01 and 125.66, the board has all powers of local self-government to perform county functions and to render county services in a manner not inconsistent with law, and such power may be exercised by the enactment of county ordinances.

(2)

In addition to its powers of self-government, the board is authorized by F.S. § 125.01(1)(q), to impose special assessments in all or a portion of the unincorporated area and within municipal areas through the creation of a municipal service benefit unit. Additionally, the board derives authority to impose special assessments within a municipal service benefit unit from the home rule power of counties in Article VIII, section 1(f), Florida Constitution, F.S. § 125.01, and specifically F.S. § 125.01(1)(r).

(3)

This chapter authorizes the imposition of special assessments through a municipal service benefit unit hereafter created in an assessment ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(4)

The purpose of this chapter is to: (1) provide procedures and standards for the adoption of assessment ordinances and the imposition of county special assessments, other than fire rescue assessments, under the general home rule powers of a county to impose special assessments; (2) authorize a procedure for the funding of governmental services, facilities, or programs providing special benefits to property within the county; and

(5)

The special assessments to be imposed using the procedures provided in this chapter are imposed by the board, not the clerk, property appraiser or tax collector. The duties of the clerk, property appraiser and tax collector under the provisions of this chapter, the assessment ordinance and the Uniform Assessment Collection Act are ministerial.

(Ord. No. 2001-06, § 1, 8-23-01)