The Institute for County Government

The citizens of Florida deserve the best leaders. And it’s our charge to ensure those who seek to fulfill their call to public service have the resources in place to make them successful. Education and knowledge are the keys to ensuring our county government leaders are prepared to lead their communities forward. With servant leadership at our core, the Institute for County Government (ICG), in partnership with the University of Florida IFAS Extension, is dedicated to being the preeminent resource for training and research for Florida’s county commissioners and their staff. Together, we will build Florida’s brightest future one county at a time.

The 2022 ICG Annual Report is now available!

- Mission Statement -

The mission of the Institute for County Government is to enhance the leadership skills of county officials, to facilitate innovative thinking and action by those leaders, and, ultimately to enable counties to prosper as communities in the 21st century.





FAQ

1How does ICG partner with UF/IFAS Extension?
UF/IFAS Extension has developed a strong partnership with ICG to deliver education programs for county leaders. Since 2007, UF/IFAS has sponsored the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) Program. This partnership has ensured our ability to provide a leadership program of excellence that incorporates nationally-known speakers and faculty from the University of Florida. In 2012, UF/IFAS Extension increased its participation and is currently the sole sponsor of ICG's education programs. With this additional assistance, we have been able to broadly improve our existing programs and we have added some additional member benefits.
2What are the benefits of completing one of ICG's educational programs?
Commissioners who complete one of ICG’s educational programs will be recognized at an award ceremony at the Florida Association of Counties' Annual Conference & Educational Exposition. Graduates will be given a plaque, coin of completion and distinguished as a graduate with a ribbon at the association’s annual conferences. ICG will also provide a press release to share with the graduate’s county and local media.
3How do I graduate from the Certified County Commissioner program?
CCC participants must complete a total of 45 hours of course work. This includes 30 hours of core, 9 hours of elective and 6 hours of continuing education courses. CCC courses are offered year-round at FAC conferences and on-line through the ICG Learning Management System (LMS). Completion of the course requirements results in the designation of Certified County Commissioner.
4What courses are offered through the Certified County Commissioner program?
Please see the list of core courses and electives found under the ‘Education’ tab by clicking on the Certified County Commissioner link.
5I am county staff, am I able to complete an educational program?
Yes! ICG offers the County Government Education program. This program of study for county staff is based on our current Certified County Commissioner (CCC) program. Content for this program includes county government structure and authority, finance and budget, growth management, ethics and Sunshine Law, and Florida’s legislative process and so much more.
6How can I receive a continuing education credit?
Continuing Education credits are offered throughout the year at FAC events as participants benefit from the peer connections and timely discussions on current issues affecting local governments. FAC hosts four major meetings each year where Continuing Education credit may be earned. Please see the ‘Continuing Education’ tab to see a list of upcoming events.