MSBU Program - History

On December 15, 1988, a ten-member Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) Committee completed recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) concerning potential use of assessment districts (MSBUs) to address improvements of public common areas.  In addition to holding six regular meetings, the Committee made a special presentation at the January 1988 meeting of the Seminole League of Homeowners Associations.  On February 14, 1989, the Committee's recommendations were presented in a work session to the BCC.

At the direction of the BCC, and in compliance with Florida Statutes, County staff developed detailed procedures to implement the program and reviewed these with the MSBU Committee in May 1989.  Final proposals were presented to the BCC on June 1, 1989 and were adopted as MSBU Program Policies by the Board on June 27, 1989.

Over the years, the MSBU Program has continued to offer funding alternatives for special and localized improvements.  By 2012, the number of active MSBUs totaled over 425, with each MSBU managed as a separate financing entity.  The number of properties participating in MSBU funding totaled over 70,000.

To this day, the MSBU Program's policies and procedures continue to evolve in compliance with State Statutes (primarily Chapter 125.01(1.q) and Chapter 197.3632); while improving operating efficiencies and seeking to meet developing needs of the benefiting communities.