The Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District was created by Highlands County through Ordinance 74-4 on April 16, 1974 . In 2004, the District will celebrate its 30th birthday. At 30, the District is wise enough to implement the best from past experiences and confident enough to adopt energetic, innovative approaches to steer us through this exciting century. This progressive philosophy highlights the District’s commitment to the future. Happy 30th Birthday, Sun ‘n Lake !

The Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District is an Independent Special District which has a governing body that is elected, not appointed. The Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Board of Supervisors is comprised of five board members. The board has enacted comprehensive policies, procedures and rules to guide the District’s operations. Presently, the board meets once a month in a workshop setting to discuss important issues and once a month for a board meeting to conduct the business of the District, generally by resolutions. No action may be taken at board workshop meetings although members may arrive at a consensus on particular issues. The Board is responsible for appointing a General Manager who is responsible for hiring and supervision of District employees and the day-to-day operations of the District through various departments and in accordance with Board policies, District charter and applicable laws and ordinances.

Sun ‘n Lake is approximately 12 square miles and has grown from what was known as a wilderness thirty years ago to around 5,000 residents. It was once considered a retirement community, but has now evolved into a diverse melting pot of both older adults and younger families. The District, as founded, comprised 25 units; Units 1-16 were platted in 1971 and Units 17-25 were platted in 1973. It originally contained 19,213 single-family lots, however, due to replatting, vacation and conservation sites; there are currently only 12,401 single-family lots. Of these, approximately 1,800 have been developed.

The golf facilities are the centerpiece of Sun ‘n Lake and one of the most important attractions to the District. The care necessary to maintain the golf courses and other recreational facilities is the responsibility of all residents. The value of the Sun ‘n Lake properties depend on the care and upkeep of the recreational facilities.

The District maintenance fee, billed to each property owner in November, covers services such as fire and public safety, code enforcement, parks and recreation, community facilities maintenance, street lighting, street repaving and maintenance, new sidewalks, landscaping and beautification, drainage improvements and maintenance of the pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, the island pavilion and picnic area, other District amenities and general administration. The District’s fiscal year for budgeting and accounting purposes runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year.