FL S1548

Creates the Duval County Library District as a special district coterminous with Duval County boundaries to provide public library services, assess ad valorem taxes, and issue bonds.

Establishes a five-member governing board consisting of the Jacksonville Mayor, three Jacksonville City Council members, and the Duval County School Board chair; board must meet at least quarterly and consider trustee recommendations on millage rates.

Authorizes district to levy ad valorem taxes up to 1 mill annually on all taxable property, with the millage cap reducible if Jacksonville's levy exceeds 19 mills; tax revenue limited to library services, facility operations, and debt service.

Grants district power to issue bonds for library facility acquisition, construction, and improvement, subject to voter approval by referendum and compliance with Florida Statutes requirements.

Requires voter approval by referendum in conjunction with the March 24, 2015 Duval County election, contingent on passage of a straw ballot measure on August 26, 2014; Jacksonville Board of Library Trustees continues to oversee day-to-day library operations under district governance.