A Community Development District (CDD) is a governmental unit created to serve the long-term specific needs of its community.
The authority for a 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. A CDD is created by a developer petitioning the Board of County Commissioners to adopt an Ordinance, which is advertised to be considered at a public hearing.
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. The Board of Supervisors is elected by the landowners of the District. The Board of Supervisors must comply with the regulations and procedures of local governments, including State ethics and financial disclosure laws. Taxes and assessments are set annually by the Board of Supervisors and are itemized on the property tax statement, in addition to County and other local government taxes and assessments as provided for by law.
A District Manager, hired by the Board of Supervisors, is responsible for the daily operations of the CDD. In accordance with Florida Statutes 189.069, Special Districts shall maintain an official website containing such information for public access.
For information on a specific community, search the web using the name of the community followed by either community development district or CDD.