In September 1999, the citizenry of Palm Coast voted overwhelmingly by a margin of two to one to incorporate as a council/manager form of government. On December 31, 1999, the City of Palm Coast was officially incorporated. On October 1, 2000, all services were officially transferred from the former Service District to the City of Palm Coast. The five-member City Council is elected at large and serves staggered four-year terms. One member is elected as Mayor. The promulgation and adoption of policy are the responsibility of the Council and the execution of such policy is the responsibility of the council appointed city manager. The City hired its first city manager on April 17, 2000.
The City provides a wide range of services including development services, fire services, street construction and maintenance, parks and recreational activities. Palm Coast contracts with the Flagler County Sheriff Department for law enforcement services. The City currently has plans under way for a new City Hall, a town center,new fire stations, and additional lands for parks. Preservation and protection of environmentally sensitive lands is a key goal of this City as it prepares for the future.