General Law County

Home Rule Charter County

• Structure of county government specified in State Constitution and State Statutes. Only amending the State Constitution or State law can change structure.

• Structure of county government specified in Charter as approved by the voters. Structure can be tailored to meet the needs of the county.

• Counties have limited powers of self-government as prescribed by the State Legislature.

• Counties have a limited degree of home-rule authority as it doesn't conflict with the Constitution or State law.

• Unexpected supervisoral vacancies are filled by the Governor. 
  

• Can provide a local method to fill interim supervisoral vacancies. 
  

• State Statutes do not require an Administrative Code.

• County Charter can require an Administrative Code detailing all regulations, policies and procedures.

• Acts of the County government are subordinate to those of the State

• Provisions of the County Charter have the same force and effect of State legislative enactments

• County has less autonomy and control over County finances

• County Charter can provide more autonomy and greater control over County finances

• State, Federal and corporate institutions have more Rights than the citizens of a county

• Can help level the playing field against the incursion of corporate Rights

• Counties have no Rights to protect natural resources from corporate exploitation

• Can protect natural and financial resources from exploitation by Wall Street or transnational corporations