Government advisory board vacancies

Ocala City Hall [Photo courtesy city of Ocala]

Consider having your voice heard in local government by helping out on a volunteer board. Your experience and knowledge can influence governmental decisions and help you, your fellow citizens and local government. It gives you an inside look at the governmental systems and lets you participate more closely in your community.

~~~~~~
City of Belleview:
The city’s general link is here: belleviewfl.org/151/Boards-Committees
The general application document is here: belleviewfl.org/DocumentCenter/View/39/City-Board-Application-PDF?bidId=

Youth Council
Several vacancies are open for members the 2025-26 school year

Description:
The Belleview Youth Council is a leadership and civic engagement program designed to connect local high school students with their community through education, service and hands-on experiences. Open to students in Belleview and the surrounding area—including those enrolled in public, private, or homeschool settings—the council offers an opportunity to learn about local government, develop leadership skills and make a positive impact in the community. During sessions, members engage directly with city and county leaders, department heads and staff to explore how municipal government functions. Activities include facility tours, Q&A sessions and discussions about civic responsibilities and public service.

Meetings will be held monthly at 4:30 pm, starting Sept. 25. Dates are on the webpage.
For more information, visit belleviewfl.org/202/Youth-Council

~~~~~
City of Dunnellon:
The city’s general link is here: dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions

Historic Preservation Board
1 vacancy for 2nd alternate member term

Description:
The purpose of the board is to promote and preserve educational, cultural and economic welfare of the public. The board has established uniform procedures to preserve the city’s historic resources by enhancing public participation and involvement in the preservation and protection of such resources, including buildings, structures, monuments and other historic resources. In keeping with its purpose, the board has developed the Application for Historic Preservation Grant Facade Renovations. Interested person(s) should complete the application and submit to the Community Development Department for submission to the board.

Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm.
For more information, visit dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-board

Planning Commission
1 vacancy for alternate member (term ending July 12, 2026); 1 vacancy for staff liaison

Description: The commission has an administrative review function whereby it reviews all changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, by amendment, evaluation, addition and appraisal for consistency with the existing plan, and reviews all land-related/zoning ordinances to determine consistency to the plan. The commission holds quasi-judicial hearings with regards to land planning/zoning cases, site plan reviews, variances, special exceptions and review/appeal of administrative orders and forwards its findings/recommendations to the City Council.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm.
Learn more at: dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/planning-commission

~~~~~
City of Ocala:
The city’s general link is here:
ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-a-h/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions
The City Council appoints individuals to serve on more than 20 boards, advisory committees and commissions. These volunteers are from all over Ocala and their experience, knowledge and expertise help influence decisions affecting the city by providing advice and feedback to city leaders and council. All are welcome to submit an application for consideration to a board or commission. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter or owning real property within the city limits. These requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on its page. If you have questions, contact [email protected] or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 629-8266.

Board of Adjustment
Description
The board of considers applications for zoning variances and special exception considerations for business and residential construction projects within the city limits. Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the building official in the enforcement of the zoning code (chapter 122), authorize special exceptions as provided in the zoning code authorize variances as provided in the zoning code.
Vacancies: 2 current vacancies, terms run to March 1, 2028.
Size: 7 Members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

Brownfields Advisory Committee
Description
The purpose of the committee is to promote and receive public comment on the identification, rehabilitation and redevelopment of identified Brownfield sites. The committee shall provide guidance in areas such as land use, employment opportunities, development proposals, community safety and environmental justice. The committee consists of 11 members appointed by the Ocala City Council from boards, committees and organizations primarily representing West Ocala.
Vacancies: 3 current vacancies, terms running through March 1, 2028 and 2029.
Size: 9 Members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Committee
Description
The committee shall advise the Community Redevelopment Agency on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. The committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the CRA Agency and City Council from property owners and organizations representing Downtown Ocala.
Vacancies: 2 vacancies for terms ending March 1, 2027 and 2029.
Size: multiple members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Advisory Committee
Description
This committee is an advisory board to the CRA Agency and City Council for the area defined as the East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea and shall advise on redevelopment efforts of the subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.
Vacancies: 1 vacancy for term ending March 1, 2029.
Size: multiple members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

Historic Preservation Advisory Board
Description: The board oversees the historic resources of the city and advises City Council and city departments on matters relating to these resources, as well as manages Certificates of Appropriateness for properties within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Make recommendations to city council for matters relating to historic resources in the city; attend informational or educational meetings, workshops and conferences; advise on development of goals, objectives and policies for historic preservation; advise city departments on matters relating to historic resources in the city; advise individuals on preservation of historic structures; educate public on economic benefits of same; and submit annual report to SHPO covering annual activities. The board approves Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations to properties located in the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts.
Vacancies: 1 current vacancy for an architect, term expired
Size: 9 Members
Term Length: 3 years
Term Limit: n/a

Municipal Code Enforcement Board
Description: The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting and permitting requirements of the city of Ocala and the state of Florida, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits and many other local ordinances and state statutes. The board hears cases relating to code violations. Examine code violation cases presented by City Code Enforcement Officers. Empowered to levy fines and place liens on property if, violation is not corrected.
Vacancies: 2 current vacancies for alternate members
Size: 7 Members
Term Length: 3 years
Term Limit: n/a

Police Officers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees
Description: The board is responsible the administration and operation of the retirement plan for city of Ocala police officers.
Vacancies: 1 citizen term, expired; two through August 6, 2025
Size: 7 Members
Term Length: 2 years
Term Limit: n/a

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee
Description
The committee is appointed as an advisory board to the CRA for the area defined as the West Ocala Redevelopment Subarea and shall advise on redevelopment efforts of the subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. Meets at least two times per year.
Vacancies: 1 current vacancy for term ending March 1, 2029
Size: 9 members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

~~~~~
Marion County
Marion County shows vacancies on the following boards: Board of Adjustment, Code Enforcement, Hills of Ocala MSTU Advisory Council, Rainbow Lakes Estates, and the Tourist Development Council. These are volunteer positions and have specific qualifications and criteria depending on the board’s focus. The county commission appoints members in regular BOCC meetings.

An online application can be downloaded here: marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards and can be printed or saved as a PDF. Email completed forms to [email protected] upon completion. Applications can also be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, or by calling (352) 438-2323.

Code Enforcement
(1 full member, 2 alternate members – Terms expire February 2026 and April 2028)

Qualifications/restrictions: Members shall be residents of Marion County.
Responsibilities: Members should have experience or interest in zoning and building control, and shall, whenever possible, be in the field of architecture, engineering, general contracting or subcontracting. Members shall have the power to adopt rules for the conduct of its hearings; subpoena alleged violators and witnesses to its hearings; subpoena records, surveys, plats and other documentary evidence; take testimony under oath; issue orders having the force and effect of law, commanding whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into compliance and establish and levy fines pursuant to county ordinance. Members are required to e-file Form 1 (Statement of Financial Interest) with the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Hills of Ocala MSTU Advisory Council
(1 full member – Term expires May 2029)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must reside within the boundaries of the MSTU.
Responsibilities: May participate in the preparation of the annual budget, make recommendations regarding capital expenditures, operations, programs, staffing and proposed budget increases or decreases. Provide information and assistance to residents of the district and the county regarding district business. Provide a forum for residents of the district and other interested parties to discuss district business. All members serve without compensation. The county commission shall confirm and appoint members. Each appointed member shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing commissioner and member terms shall run concurrently with that of the appointing commissioner.

Rainbow Lakes Estates MSD Advisory Council
(2 full members – Terms expire May 2027 and December 2028)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be registered electors residing within the Rainbow Lakes
Estates Municipal Service District.
Responsibilities: Members serve three-year terms. The council submits a letter to the county commission requesting ratification of members elected by the residents of RLE. The district board shall appoint an advisory committee consisting of seven registered electors residing within said district, six to be residents of Marion County and one to be a resident of Levy County to serve for a term of one year or until their successors be appointed. Participate in the preparation of annual budget request; review and comment on programs, activities, goals and objectives and make recommendations on these and other issues as directed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Tourist Development Council
(1 full member – Term expires February 2026)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be registered Marion County voters with an interest in tourism development and/or be owners or operators of lodging subject to the tourist development tax.
Responsibilities: Make recommendations to the County Commission on the effective use of tourist development tax revenues. The TDC meets at least once a quarter and may make recommendations to the county commission for the effective use of the tourist development tax revenues.