History of the Broward County Charter
On November 5, 1974, the voters of Broward County approved the Broward County Charter. Charter Government went into effect in Broward County on January 1, 1975.
The Charter brought home rule to Broward County, which had become a County by an act of the State Legislature in 1915. For the next 60 years, the County Commission had to look to the State Legislature for approval of local bills effecting change in County government.
On October 2, 1973, the County Commission voted unanimously to ask the Legislative Delegation to establish a Charter Commission, pursuant to Florida Statutes, to conduct a comprehensive study of County government. A 15-member Charter Commission worked for nine months, producing the Charter document which was approved by referendum on November 5, 1974 by a vote of 77,889 to 59,898.
In addition to bringing home rule to Broward County, the Charter expanded the County Commission from five to seven members, created a strong administrator form of County government, and established a Countywide land use planning agency. Later Charter amendments expanded the County Commission to the current nine members.
Charter Review Commissions (CRC)
A Broward County Charter Review Commission (CRC) is established every 12 years. The CRC is authorized to study all phases of county government including significant, regional, long-term and complex issues facing Broward County in the coming decade. Recommendations of the CRC help determine the design of Broward County Government, and how it should function to best meet the needs of the people.
Changes to the charter may be proposed by the County Commission and by voter initiative. Recommendations must be voted on by the electorate.
The last CRC was 2015-2018. Eleven amendments were submitted for voter approval on the November 6, 2018 general election ballot. All the amendments passed and were subsequently adopted in the new county charter.
The next CRC will be appointed in 2027 and begin meeting in 2030.
