This program is a voluntary program of study for county staff that 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. We are excited about this additional offering and look forward to growing this program to enhance overall knowledge of Florida county government for county staff. The County Government Education courses will be offered year round, mostly in conjunction with FAC conferences.
The core courses are offered once a year, with the exception of the Ethics, Sunshine Records and Public Information program which is offered three times a year. County staff have had the opportunity to audit the CCC programs in the past, but now, their participation will be tracked just like it is for Commissioners. To complete the course work, county staff will take a total of 45 hours of courses. There is no timeline to finish, however if fast-tracked, the program may now be completed within 6 to 12 months.
At FAC’s Annual Conference each year, we will recognize the staff that have completed the County Government Education Program. We encourage county staff to get involved in this program!
The core courses are offered once a year, with the exception of the Ethics, Sunshine Records and Public Information program which is offered three times a year. County staff have had the opportunity to audit the CCC programs in the past, but now, their participation will be tracked just like it is for Commissioners. To complete the course work, county staff will take a total of 45 hours of courses. There is no timeline to finish, however if fast-tracked, the program may now be completed within 6 to 12 months.
At FAC’s Annual Conference each year, we will recognize the staff that have completed the County Government Education Program. We encourage county staff to get involved in this program!
CORE COURSES
The program content for each core course is designed to cover fundamental information necessary to effectively serve as a county commissioner. To be certified, commissioners must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours of core curriculum. Each core course is equivalent to 6 hours of credit. The majority of these programs are offered once a calendar year.Core Courses
Ethics, Public Records & Sunshine Laws (Mandatory)
This course is designed to give commissioners an understanding of Florida’s stringent laws. Participants will broaden their knowledge of ethics requirements for elected officials, understand the Sunshine Law and Public Records Law, learn about reporting requirements, and become familiar with the process of an ethics complaint.
Financial Management
This course provides guidance for commissioners to better manage their county’s fiscal affairs. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the state’s fiscal trends, budgeting process, revenue sources available to their counties and the what, when and how to issue debt.
Growth Management & Land Use Decisions
This course is designed to give commissioners an understanding of the history of land use planning in Florida and how we got where we are today. Participants will learn the realities of implementing comprehensive plans including how amendments, development approvals, and exceptions should be handled.
County Government Structure & Authority
This course looks at the authority that has been granted to counties by all sources, including the citizens. Participants will broaden their knowledge of county government form and function, of state government and how it relates to federal government, and of mandates and the impact they have on counties.
County Government Roles & Responsibilities
This course looks at the functions of county government. Participants will better understand state mandated county government services including public safety, transportation and health and human services.
The Sunshine, Public Records & Ethics Laws Course is mandatory. Commissioners may substitute the 12-hour on-line course, Florida Code of Ethics, Sunshine Law & Public Records Act, offered by the Florida Institute of Government. The on-line course will count as 6 hours of CCC credit. FAC staff will provide information on this program upon request.
This course is designed to give commissioners an understanding of Florida’s stringent laws. Participants will broaden their knowledge of ethics requirements for elected officials, understand the Sunshine Law and Public Records Law, learn about reporting requirements, and become familiar with the process of an ethics complaint.
Financial Management
This course provides guidance for commissioners to better manage their county’s fiscal affairs. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the state’s fiscal trends, budgeting process, revenue sources available to their counties and the what, when and how to issue debt.
Growth Management & Land Use Decisions
This course is designed to give commissioners an understanding of the history of land use planning in Florida and how we got where we are today. Participants will learn the realities of implementing comprehensive plans including how amendments, development approvals, and exceptions should be handled.
County Government Structure & Authority
This course looks at the authority that has been granted to counties by all sources, including the citizens. Participants will broaden their knowledge of county government form and function, of state government and how it relates to federal government, and of mandates and the impact they have on counties.
County Government Roles & Responsibilities
This course looks at the functions of county government. Participants will better understand state mandated county government services including public safety, transportation and health and human services.
The Sunshine, Public Records & Ethics Laws Course is mandatory. Commissioners may substitute the 12-hour on-line course, Florida Code of Ethics, Sunshine Law & Public Records Act, offered by the Florida Institute of Government. The on-line course will count as 6 hours of CCC credit. FAC staff will provide information on this program upon request.
CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES
Participation in statewide education and policymaking events is an important part of the CCC curriculum. As such, the following events are CCC accredited. The credit hours for each of these programs vary due to program length. To become certified, commissioners must earn 6 hours of continuing education credits.Continuing Education Courses
Legislative Day (1.5 CE)
This event is an organized day during the legislative session. Participants will receive a morning briefing on legislation important to counties, have meetings with their respective state lawmakers and attend a reception honoring the Florida Legislature.
Annual Conference (3 CE)
This conference gathers hundreds of county officials for a three day event to learn, network and share best practices to better serve Florida’s counties. Participants may attend workshops with outstanding speakers and an exposition hall filled with knowledgeable service providers to gain new ideas and practices that they can apply on the job.
Policy Committee Conference (1.5 CE)
This conference brings together FAC’s Legislative Policy Committees to examine the Association's agenda for the next legislative session. Participation on these committees is open to any FAC member wanting to participate in the policy development process. Members may serve on any of FAC’s four standing committees and the urban and rural caucuses. Only county commissioners may vote, while staff serves in an advisory role.
Legislative Conference (2 CE)
This conference is a critical element of FAC’s policy making process. This event is used to determine a consensus on legislative positions for Florida’s counties in the next legislative session. Recommendations from the policy committees are forwarded to the full membership at this event for its consideration and vote. Participation on these committees is open to all FAC members who want to participate, however, only county commissioners may vote, while staff serves in an advisory role.
This event is an organized day during the legislative session. Participants will receive a morning briefing on legislation important to counties, have meetings with their respective state lawmakers and attend a reception honoring the Florida Legislature.
Annual Conference (3 CE)
This conference gathers hundreds of county officials for a three day event to learn, network and share best practices to better serve Florida’s counties. Participants may attend workshops with outstanding speakers and an exposition hall filled with knowledgeable service providers to gain new ideas and practices that they can apply on the job.
Policy Committee Conference (1.5 CE)
This conference brings together FAC’s Legislative Policy Committees to examine the Association's agenda for the next legislative session. Participation on these committees is open to any FAC member wanting to participate in the policy development process. Members may serve on any of FAC’s four standing committees and the urban and rural caucuses. Only county commissioners may vote, while staff serves in an advisory role.
Legislative Conference (2 CE)
This conference is a critical element of FAC’s policy making process. This event is used to determine a consensus on legislative positions for Florida’s counties in the next legislative session. Recommendations from the policy committees are forwarded to the full membership at this event for its consideration and vote. Participation on these committees is open to all FAC members who want to participate, however, only county commissioners may vote, while staff serves in an advisory role.