BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The Board of County Commissioners is the chief legislative body in
the County. The Board meets on the first three Tuesdays of the
month at 9:00 a.m. on the first floor of the Hernando County Government
Center at 20 North Main Street in Brooksville.
The five County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms by
the voters at large and represent the geographical district in which
they reside. The Board approves the County budget, adopts local ordinances
and resolutions and establishes policies which govern the County
and insure the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.
The Board also serves as the Governing Board for the Hernando County
Water & Sewer District, which provides water and sewer systems
for residents within the unincorporated areas of the county.
 Hernando County Government is committed to providing a community
of recognized stability and excellence for our citizens by:
Managing public business in a responsive and efficient manner.
Preserving and enhancing public assets.
Ensuring a safe and healthy community.
Creating continuous improvement by means of a pro-active exchange
of ideas within the organization and with our customers.
ABOUT THE COURTS
The two types of courts in the state court system are circuit and
county. Circuit courts generally hear felony, domestic relations,
domestic violence, juvenile, probate, guardianship, mental health,
child support and civil cases where the matter in controversy is
$15,000.00 or more. County courts generally hear misdemeanor, small
claims, and landlord/tenant disputes, violations of county or municipal
ordinances, traffic violations and civil cases where the matter
in controversy is less than $15,000.00.
FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
The State of Florida is divided into 20 Judicial Circuits composed
of one or more counties. Hernando County is part of the Fifth Circuit,
which has its headquarters located in Ocala. The Fifth Judicial
Circuit is comprised of: Hernando, Marion, Lake, Sumter and Citrus.
Hernando County currently has five full-time Circuit Court Judges
and one part time, along with two County Court Judges assigned. There
is also a General Magistrate assigned to Hernando County. Additionally
there is a special hearing officer who is assigned to hear cases
involving child support enforcement. There are five appellate districts
in the State of Florida. Hernando County is part of the Fifth District
Court of Appeal, which is located in Daytona Beach. The court of
last resort in the state court system is the Florida Supreme Court,
which is located in Tallahassee.
THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services to a
population of approximately 169,000. This is an increase of nearly
330% since 1980, and Hernando continues to be regarded as one of
the fastest growing counties in the United States.
One of the quality of life indicators for a community is the caliber
of its law enforcement. In June 2000, the Sheriff’s Office
received full accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement
Accreditation. www.hernandosherriff.org
TAX COLLECTOR
It is the responsibility of the Hernando County Tax Collector to
collect the myriad of taxes and fees imposed by all governmental
units. The nature of the office under Florida’s constitution
and statutory system is two-fold: independent election; and budgetary
review by the state. The Tax Collector deals with many state agencies,
all local governments and all taxpayers within the county.
In addition to ad valorem property taxes, the Tax Collector also
bills and collects special assessments generated by almost 100 municipal
service benefit units for improvements such as street lighting, road
paving, fire protection, subdivision maintenance, etc.
The Tax Collector’s office, as well as numerous subagent businesses,
sells hunting and fishing licenses.
PROPERTY APPRAISER’S OFFICE
The Property Appraiser and his staff are dedicated to helping the
citizens of Hernando County in a professional and courteous manner
as well as producing fair and equitable property value rolls.
Visit their website for an overview of the activities performed
in the Property Appraiser’s Office and to provide insight into
how this office, the various taxing authorities, and you the Property
Owner, interact in the Ad Valorem Tax process www.hernandocounty.us/pa
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Florida is a closed primary state, which means that you must be registered
with one of the major parties in order to receive that party’s
ballot in a primary election.
For information on voter registration, voting polls etc. please
visit the website for the Supervisor of Elections at www.hernandovotes.com
REGISTER TO ATTEND “COUNTY CONNECTION”
Get acquainted with county government in a series of sessions led
by county officials and staff over a ten week period. No cost to
participants.
Offered in June and January For information contact the Community
Relations Department 352.540.6780 or email: brendaf@hernandocounty.us
COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
- Library Advisory Committee
- Aviation Authority
- Board of Construction
and Regulation
- Elder Affairs Committee
- Environmentally Sensitive Lands Committee
- Fine
Arts Council
- Healthcare Advisory Board
- Health Facility Authority
- Personnel Board
- Planning and Zoning Commission
- Port Authority
- Spring Hill Fire and Rescue District Commission
- Tourist Development Council
- Hernando County Historical Advisory Commission
- Citizens Ordinance Advisory Team
HERNANDO COUNTY GOVERNMENT BROADCASTING
Hernando County Government’s own cable channel began operating
full time in August, 1999. All County Commission meetings, monthly
Planning and Zoning meetings and other local government board meetings
are broadcast live from the Board chambers.
Special taped programs are also produced, such as Issues and Answers,
Focus on Hernando, Healthy Hernando, Behind the Star and Understanding
the Law. These programs feature the County Administrator, Community
Relations Coordinator, Sheriff and Administrative Judge and guests
discussing timely and informative topics pertaining specifically
to Hernando County. Tune into Channel 622 on Bright House Network
for the latest Hernando County Government information.www.hernandocounty.us/hcgb |