Martin County

Martin County is one of 67 counties in Florida and was established by an Act of Florida Legislature in 1925. By the authority of General Law, as found in the Constitution of the State of Florida, the Board of County Commissioners shares the functions of government with Martin County's Constitutional Officers including the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections and Sheriff. This provides a system of checks and balances with each office having a distinct role.

Martin County's five commissioners are elected to serve a four- year term. These terms are staggered and each is elected at-large, but represents a geographic district within the County. The Chairperson of the Commission is elected annually by the other Board Members and presides over all meetings of the Board.

The Board of County Commissioners has responsibility for the provision of general government services (fire/rescue, library services, building inspections) and oversees the development of infrastructure (roads, utility systems, parks, government buildings) and determines regulations regarding zoning and land use provisions. The Board of County Commissioners also is responsible for determining the millage rate (tax on real property) to fund all functions of County Government with the exception of the Tax Collector, who is a fee officer, and some court-related functions.

The Board of County Commissioners is a policy making board similar in nature to a board of directors of a major corporation. They approve the County's operating and capital budgets, pass ordinances, and take actions which provide for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Martin County. The daily responsibilities for running Martin County Government are vested in the County Administrator who is appointed by the Board.