Administrative divisions of Florida

Counties and municipalities are authorized to pass laws (ordinances), levy taxes, and provide public services within their jurisdictions.

[1] Counties and municipalities may create community development agencies, which may take part of the money from taxes on increases in property values from their area of interest.

Natural features of the region, including rivers, lakes, and flora, are also commonly used for county names.

Municipalities in Florida may be called towns, cities, or villages, but there is no legal distinction between the different terms.

Municipalities often have police and fire departments, and provide essential services such as water, waste collection, etc.

[9] The superintendent is by default an elected official; however, the Florida Constitution allows county voters to make the position an appointed one.

Notable CDD's include the Reedy Creek Improvement District (the location of Walt Disney World) and substantially all of The Villages (the giant Central Florida retirement community).

Many counties have a "Soil and Water Conservation District", a residue of Dust Bowl politics.