Cities 101 Video Series

The Cities 101 video series provides elected officials and staff with quick, two-minute videos packed with must-know insights on the fundamentals of how cities work. Every Florida city is unique, and while no two communities are exactly alike, these videos are here to give you a simple overview of the basics.

Explore the structure of Florida’s four types of local government and how they work together.  
Learn what a city is, the reasons behind their creation, and the fundamentals of how they function.  
Discover the origins and significance of Sunshine Laws, and how they promote open meetings, transparent decision-making, and accessible public records. 
View an overview of municipal charters and how they define and guide the governance of a city.   
Explore the origins of Robert’s Rules of Order, their importance, and how they provide a guide to keep meetings fair and efficient
Discover the main forms of city government in Florida and how each system divides decision-making and responsibilities. 
Learn about the various essential services cities provide to their communities and how municipalities decide to deliver them. 
Discover what Home Rule is and how it empowers Florida cities to make local decisions for their residents.  
Explore what preemptions are, how they impact the ability of Florida cities to govern themselves, and examples of their effects on local issues.