§ 31-27. Legislative findings and intent.

(1)

Findings. The Legislature finds that the Orange County Library District, an independent special district created by chapter 80-555, Laws of Florida, to provide library services and facilities in all of Orange County, except the cities of Winter Park and Maitland, has provided high quality library service to district residents and taxpayers throughout its existence. Authorized to levy ad valorem taxes for operating expenses and debt service, the library district has consistently levied taxes substantially below its statutory maximum, and has used the tax revenue efficiently and effectively. Both the Orange County Library District Act and the ad valorem tax authority were expressly approved by the voters of the district by referendum on September 9, 1980, as required by § 9(b), Article VII of the State Constitution, and the trust and confidence given by the electors to the district has been rewarded with quality library facilities and services.

(2)

Intent. This article constitutes the reenactment and codification of all special acts relating to the district pursuant to § 189.429, Florida Statutes. This law is intended to provide a single, comprehensive special act charter for the district that ratifies and continues all powers and authority, including its taxing authority, granted to the district by its several previous legislative enactments and that grants such additional authority and imposes such additional requirements and limitations as may be provided by this article.

(Laws of Fla. ch. 99-486, § 4)