Civics Education

With more than 400 cities, towns and villages in Florida, Florida cities are as diverse in geography, population and culture as the residents that call them home.

Florida's cities, towns and villages are the centers of economic, social and cultural energy that enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Floridians.

Municipalities were created because of the self-determination of their residents. Most often, the cities’ founders wanted increased, better-quality services and local control of how they were being governed. The services a city provides are determined by the desires and needs of citizens through community engagement and input.

More than 50 years ago, Floridians voted to include municipal Home Rule powers in the Constitution. Home Rule gives each city the flexibility to craft its laws specifically to its own unique needs. This is the embodiment of the League’s mission, local voices making local choices.

The resources below are designed to educate citizens about Home Rule and how Florida's cities work.

Civics Education Resources

Local Voices United: A grassroots network dedicated to supporting local self-government. Visit the Resources page for information on local decision-making, how to talk with your state lawmakers, and more.
City Government 101 Glossary of Terms: This list includes local government terms and acronyms to help familiarize you with a variety of municipal topics.
City Government 101 Animated Video (Spanish Version): This 10-minute video covers a range of topics including city charters, forms of government, municipal services, property taxes and Home Rule.
Florida City Fact Sheet: This two-page document has general information on city structure, city history, quick facts and more.
Know the Layers of U.S. Government: This three-page document has general information on the structure of the U.S. Federal government, Florida state government, and local governments in Florida.

The City That Talks: A fully illustrated children’s book
In the book, a teacher asks, “What is the best thing about our city?” A student goes looking for the answer. Different parts of her city love to talk and tell her why they are the best. As the book progresses, she explores and finds out that cities have a voice.

Digital versions of the book are available in English, Spanish and Creole.
'What Is A City' Handout
'The City That Talks' Madlibs
'The City That Talks' Coloring Book
To request a print copy, please email Kelli Gemmer at kgemmer@flcities.com. (Note: supplies are limited)

City/Town/Village Activity Book: An activity book for elementary students that includes municipal-related activities. Prior to completing the activity book, students will need an overview of municipal government. A PowerPoint presentation has been created to coincide with the book.
- City/Town/Village Activity Book PowerPoint Presentation
Mock City Council Meeting: This mock city council meeting guide is designed for elected officials who wish to lead a mock city council meeting at the elementary-school level.
Milk and Cookies with the Mayor/Commissioner: Cookies with the Mayor/Commissioner/Council Member (or a like event) is a great way to introduce yourself, as an elected official, to students and provide a lesson on city government.
Mentoring in the Classroom: Mentoring students is important and has the power to impact a student’s academic and personal life. Mentoring matches the volunteer mentor one-on-one with a student. He/she usually meets with the student at least once a week, spending 30 minutes to one hour with the student.

Mock City Council Meeting: This mock city council meeting guide is designed for elected officials who wish to lead a mock city council meeting at the middle-school level.
City Trivia Game: City Trivia is an interactive way to engage students in city government. Students will need a lesson in city government prior to playing City Trivia. The Florida League of Cities has provided a PowerPoint template with questions, but you are encouraged to work with your local teachers to prepare a version that best fits the students’ needs.
- City Trivia Game Powerpoint Presentation
City Government 101 Animated Video (Spanish Version): This 10-minute video covers a range of topics including city charters, forms of government, municipal services, property taxes and Home Rule.
Mentoring in the Classroom: Mentoring students is important and has the power to impact a student’s academic and personal life. Mentoring matches the volunteer mentor one-on-one with a student. He/she usually meets with the student at least once a week, spending 30 minutes to one hour with the student.

Youth Council Development Guide: This youth council development guide is a roadmap for creating a youth council.
Photo or Video Competition: A photography or video competition is a great way to showcase your city and shine a spotlight on what makes your community special.
Mock City Council Meeting: This mock city council meeting guide is designed for elected officials who wish to lead a mock city council meeting at the high school level.
City Hall Shadowing Program: A city hall shadowing program gives high school students the opportunity to explore municipal careers by spending a day with a city staff person. A shadowing program gives students a firsthand experience in city government and a networking opportunity among city staff and elected officials
City Government 101 Animated Video (Spanish Version): This 10-minute video covers a range of topics including city charters, forms of government, municipal services, property taxes and Home Rule.
Mentoring in the Classroom: Mentoring students is important and has the power to impact a student’s academic and personal life. Mentoring matches the volunteer mentor one-on-one with a student. He/she usually meets with the student at least once a week, spending 30 minutes to one hour with the student.

CIVICS EDUCATION

With more than 400 cities, towns and villages in Florida, Florida cities are as diverse in geography, population and culture as the residents that call them home.