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prescribed by Florida Board of Governors regulations. Financial audits of state universities are performed annually by the State Auditor General. 1.1W STATE COLLEGES There are 28 state colleges that comprise the Florida College System, which was created pursuant to Section 1001.60, Florida Statutes. Each state college board of trustees has all the powers of a body corporate. The college president serves as the executive officer and the corporate secretary of the board of trustees and is responsible for the operation and administration of the college within applicable parameters of state laws, State Board of Education rules, and board policies. State colleges must maintain financial records and accounts as prescribed by State Board of Education rules. Financial audits of state colleges are performed annually by the State Auditor General. SPECIAL DISTRICTS Also especially popular in Florida, special districts are local units of special-purpose governments whereby the governing board has policy-making powers. They also operate within limited boundaries and are created by general law, special act, local ordinance or by rule of the governor and Cabinet. Special districts ensure accountability of public resources since special districts are held to the same high standards as municipalities and counties. The first special districts were created almost 190 years ago. Although special districts are very similar to counties and municipalities, special districts are local units of special-purpose government as opposed to local units of general-purpose government. Florida's laws generally treat them alike regarding accountability of public resources. Special districts exist to serve a public purpose and must be held to certain minimum standards of accountability to keep the public, appropriate local general-purpose governments, and state agencies informed of their status and activities. Special Districts are generally audited annually by Public Accounting Firms. SUMMARY It is important to note that each of the above types of government is accountable to the electorate, citizens and users with whom they interact. As indicated above, pursuant to Section 11.45, Florida Statutes, these entities are subject to periodic financial audits by independent certified public accountants. Along with complying with state, local and federal laws,accountability to those directly affected by actions of these local governments should be and is the highest level of accountability one can expect. 5 87