A description is provided of the history, organization, goals, and objectives of the Florida community college system. First, the history of the system is traced from the founding of Palm Beach Junior College in 1933 through the establishment of the Community College Council in 1955, the implementation of a master plan for the state's community colleges, and the establishment of black colleges, to the current operation of 28 community colleges in the state. Next, data are provided on the growth in the number of colleges and in student headcount from 800 in 1947-48 to 703,610 in 1983-84. Then, the philosophy and goals of the colleges are presented including the colleges' mandate to provide freshman and sophomore level education, vocational education, and courses and programs of adult continuing education; and statements are presented summarizing the policies required to enable community colleges to fulfill their roles of providing post high school education for Florida's citizens. Next, the organization of the state's community colleges is examined, and descriptions are provided of the roles of the state and district agencies and councils involved in the governance of the colleges, including the Postsecondary Education Planning Commission, the Florida Community College Activities Association, and the Florida Association of Community Colleges. After a statement of responsibilities at the district level for vocational education, information is provided on adult education, community instructional services, and community education programs. (HB)