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. www.hernandovotes.com

COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

• Library Advisory Committee
• Aviation Authority
• Board of Construction and Regulation
• Environmentally Sensitive Lands Committee
• Fine Arts Council
• Personnel Board
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Port Authority
• Spring Hill Fire and Rescue District Commission
• Tourist Development Council
• Hernando County Historical Advisory Commission
• Citizens Advisory Task Force for Community Development Block Grant Program

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

GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

If you have any questions regarding Legislative Issues please email us.
Hernando County Board of County Commissioners : www.co.hernando.fl.us/bocc
Brooksville City Council Members : www.ci.brooksville.fl.us
Hernando County School Board : www.hcsb.k12.fl.us