In 1968, the Florida Legislature established independent local boards of trustees for community colleges, providing each board of trustees with legal responsibility for maintaining and operating its local college. The Governor, after consultation with representatives from various districts, appoints the trustees of the local boards. In 1972 the last of the 28 community colleges was established, thereby providing all Floridians with accessible and affordable college education opportunities. All the colleges offered the first two years of a baccalaureate degree, vocational education, and adult continuing education. No local taxes support community colleges in Florida.
Funds are primarily from the state and students.
Community colleges also receive federal dollars to address specific work-force priorities. To further strengthen the community colleges, the 1979 Legislature established the State Community College Coordinating Board. So we have a dual system, which I think is going to change as we get into the block grants, the work-force training programs, and welfare transition programs. The State Board of Community Colleges must preserve the balance of maintaining control by local boards of trustees, while establishing statewide policies and ensuring effective coordination. The SBCC consists of 13 members, including the commissioner of education and a student member.