Interesting Series about CDDs in Florida
In October 2000 the Orlando Sentinel published a revealing series about the problems of CDDs
( Community Development Districts ) . 
If you want further information, please send e-mail to : [email protected]

 
The "ORLANDO SENTINEL" didn't allow us to republish the article series, but as long as the link works, you may be able to read it on the WebPages. Please click below:
Government Inc.: You Move In. They Cash In.

 
Active Community Development Districts
Florida’s 116 active Community Development Districts, 
according to the State Department of Community Affairs.
Click for the complete list of CDDs.

Frightening Aspect

As a homeowners-association director, I want to thank the Sentinel for its series about community development districts (CDD’s). Though real estate has always invoked the concept of buyer beware, your articles have addressed the frightening aspect that homeowners may pay a price known as foreclosure because of government 
decisions that have permitted "dirt bonds" related to individual homeowner properties.
Municipalities and counties have permitted the creation of unregulated mini-governments under developer control, in which millions of dollars can be removed at the front end, using the leverage provided with 20- and 30-year (approved in 1999) "dirt bonds" to be paid off by homeowners.
What might happen during the next downturn if people in these CDD’s lose their jobs?
Perhaps our municipalities will begin to foreclose and take over the homes when constituents can no longer pay the fees.
DIANNA D. MEYER
Longwood
Letter to the Editor Orlando Sentinel, Thursday October 26, 2000

 
COMMENT:
A well researched series about CDDs in Florida. That's what journalism is all about!
It should be mandatory for our legislators to read, and DISCLOSURE has to be enforced in our State of Florida for Community Development Districts, Home- and Condo-Owners Associations. It shouldn't always be "Buyer Beware"! Hopefully not every buyer into these Mini-Governments is an attorney. In my opinion our government has the obligation to protect the citizens in this State, especially since a lot of elderly retired people are involved. 
Jan Bergemann, St.Augustine, Fl.