Ocala City Hall. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Home » Community

Posted October 27, 2025 | Staff report

You can contribute to your local government by helping out on a volunteer board, where your experience and knowledge can influence decisions and help you and your fellow citizens. Here are the current vacancies for various boards in the cities of Marion County and the county itself.

~~~~~~

City of Belleview:

The city’s general link is: belleviewfl.org/151/Boards-Committees

The general application document is: 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 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 with city and county leaders, department heads and staff to explore how municipal government functions. Activities include facility tours, Q&A sessions and discussions on civic responsibilities and public service. Meetings are held monthly at 4:30 pm. For more information, visit belleviewfl.org/202/Youth-Council

~~~~~

City of Dunnellon:

The city’s general link is: dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions

Historic Preservation Board

1 vacancy for 2^nd 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 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. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5pm. For more information, visit dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-board

Planning Commission

2 vacancies for alternate members (terms ending Jan 9 and July 12, 2026)

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 on 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 Council appoints individuals to serve on over 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 leaders and council.

If you have questions, contact [email protected] or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 629-8266. The main page is ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-a-h/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions and each board has its own page and application link.

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 their page.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

Description: The committee is responsible for developing an analysis of impediments to the creation of affordable housing, as required by the city’s affordable housing funders. The affordable housing advisory committee is created and established to recommend monetary and non-monetary incentives for the local housing assistance plan in accordance with F.S. § 420.9076. The committee shall consist of at least eight but not more than 11 members. The term of service on the committee shall be for three years. Members may be re-appointed for subsequent terms. The city council shall appoint members to the committee by resolution. The committee must consist of one representative from at least six of the categories below:

(1) A citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing.

(2) A citizen who is actively engaged in the banking or mortgage banking industry in connection with affordable housing.

(3) A citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing.

(4) A citizen who is actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection with affordable housing.

(5) A citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing.

(6) A citizen who is actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing.

(7) A citizen who is actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with affordable housing.

(8) A citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency pursuant to F.S. § 163.3174.

(9) A citizen who resides within the jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments.

(10) A citizen who represents employers within the jurisdiction.

(11) A citizen who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan.

Vacancies: 10 terms ending Dec 31, 2025.

Size: 11 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

 

Board of Adjustment

Description: The board considers applications for zoning variances and special exception considerations for business and residential construction projects within the Ocala 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: 1 current vacancy, term runs 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: 4 current vacancies, terms running through Mar 1, 2028 and 2029.

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

 

East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Advisory Committee

Description: The committee is appointed as an advisory board to the CRA Agency and City Council for the area defined as the East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. It shall advise the CRA Agency and City Council on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Vacancies: 1 vacancy for term ending Mar 1, 2029.

Size: multiple members

Term Length: 4 years

 

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 located within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Make recommendations to city council for matters relating to historic resources in the city changes to designated resources; attend pertinent 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.

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

 

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Description: The committee is appointed as an advisory board to the Community Redevelopment Agency for the area defined as the West Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. The committee shall advise the CRA on redevelopment efforts of the established 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

An online application can be downloaded at marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards and can be printed or saved as a PDF. Email completed forms to [email protected]. 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.

 

 

Land Development Regulation Commission

 

Vacancies: 1 full member, term expires ending January 2026; 1 alternate member term expires October 2029.

Responsibilities: Members should have knowledge in planning, environmental science, agriculture and the development industry and be capable of evaluating and recommending specific regulatory standards and criteria, reviewing and advising the County Commission on the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and Zoning Code, and preparing an annual report with recommended amendments to these codes. Alternate members attend meetings when regular members are unavailable and may serve in their absence.

Qualifications/restrictions: Members shall be residents of Marion County.

 

Marion Oaks General Services Advisory Council

Vacancies: 1 full member, term expires ending September 2026.

Responsibilities: : Make recommendations to the county commission pertaining to the MSTU budget, activities, goals and objective; and other issues as directed by the county commission.

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be residents of Marion Oaks.

 

Marion Oaks Recreation and Facilities Advisory Council

Vacancies: 1 full member, term expires ending February 2027.

Responsibilities: : Make recommendations to the county commission pertaining to the MSTU budget, activities, goals and objective; and other issues as directed by the county commission.

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be residents of Marion Oaks.

 

Pine Run MSTU Advisory Council

Vacancies: 1 full member, term expires ending June 2028.

Responsibilities: : Make recommendations to the county commission pertaining to the MSTU budget, activities, goals and objective; and other issues as directed by the county commission.

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be residents of Pine Run Estates.

 

 

 Planning and Zoning Commission

Vacancies: 2 full members, terms through October 2029.

Responsibilities: Review and conduct public hearings on proposed property rezonings and make recommendations to the County Commission regarding the adoption or amendment of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code and Land Development Code. Applicants must be registered electors residing in Marion County and may not be employees of the county or any government entity in a policy-making position. Alternate members attend meetings when regular members are unavailable and may serve in their absence. Experience in planning, environmental science, or the development industry is considered when appointing members.

Qualifications/restrictions: Members of this board are required by the Florida Commission on Ethics to electronically file an annual Statement of Financial Interests (Form 1).