Designed to serve as a reference tool on city and county government in Florida, this handbook consists of lessons that can be used by schools, community groups, newly elected officials, and libraries. These curriculum materials on Florida city and county governments specifically address the general purpose of local governments. Subject areas covered in the handbook include: (1) the foundations of local government, history, legal roles, home rule, and forms of local government; (2) local government services; (3) local government finances; (4) key officials and elections; (5) public participation in local government--influencing local government decisions, serving as members of local government boards and committees, careers in local government and running for local government; (6) current local government issues, water management, solid waste management, public safety and transportation; (7) growth management at the local government level; (8) municipal incorporation and boundaries. The handbook is supplemented with a 44-item bibliography, a glossary, a list of available videotapes, and an appendix titled, "Getting to Know Your City and County Governments." The handbook is not intended to be a comprehensive text on local government, rather it is an introduction to the study of city and county governments in Florida. (RJC)