FL S0976

Authorizes each Florida county to create an independent special district by ordinance to provide countywide funding for senior services, with district boundaries coterminous with county boundaries.

Requires voter approval via referendum to levy ad valorem taxes of up to 0.5 mills on assessed property values to fund the district.

Establishes an 11-member governing council consisting of four permanent positions (area agency on aging director, county social services director, Adult Protective Services director, and health department representative), two appointed county representatives, three Governor appointees, and one appointee each from the Senate President and House Speaker.

Grants the council authority to identify senior needs, adopt bylaws, prepare annual budgets and reports, employ staff, lease or purchase property and equipment, and provide preventive and treatment services for seniors age 65 and older.

Requires the district to comply with state financial reporting requirements, maintain separate accounts for tax revenues, file quarterly financial reports, and prohibits requiring matching funds from service providers.