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

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Posted December 15, 2025 | Staff report

By serving on a local board, your experience and knowledge can influence governmental decisions and help you, your fellow citizens and local government. It also gives you an inside look at the governmental systems and lets you participate more closely in your community.

 

Here are the latest listings of vacancies for boards in the cities of Marion County and the county itself.

 

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City of Belleview:

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

The general application document is at belleviewfl.org/DocumentCenter/View/39/City-Board-Application-PDF?bidId=

 

Planning & Zoning Board

Three terms expiring March 2026

This is an advisory board to the county commission for planning and zoning issues. They also hear and decide variance and special exception requests. Board members are subject to Sunshine Regulations and must file financial disclosure forms upon appointment and annually thereafter. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit belleviewfl.org/175/Planning-Zoning-Board

 

Youth Council

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

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. 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 p.m. Dates are at belleviewfl.org/202/Youth-Council

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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

The purpose of the board is to promote and preserve educational, cultural and economic welfare of the public. The board has established 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 more. The board has developed the Application for Historic Preservation Grant Facade Renovations. Interested person(s) should complete the application and send to the Community Development Department for submission to the board. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. For more information, visit dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-board

 

Planning Commission

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

The commission reviews 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 p.m. To learn more, go to dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/planning-commission

 

Police Officers & Firefighters Pension Board

One vacancy for expired term ended Nov. 19, 2025

The board operates and administers the Fire and Police Pension Plan in accordance with the direction of the City Council. Duties include, but are not limited to, administration of the plan assets. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of the second month of each quarter at 8:30 a.m. Learn more by going to

dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/police-officers-firefighters-pension-board

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City of Ocala:

The city’s general link is 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 members. All are welcome to submit an application for consideration to a board or commission. Many boards have requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter or owning property within the city limits. These requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on their page. If you have questions, contact [email protected] or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 629-8266.

 

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

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 committee is created to recommend monetary and non-monetary incentives for the local housing assistance plan in accordance with F.S. § 420.9076.

Vacancies: Multiple terms ending Dec 31, 2025.

Size: 11 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

 

Board of Adjustment

The board 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: 1 current vacancy, term runs to March 1, 2028; two terms ending March 2026.

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

 

Brownfields Advisory Committee

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.

Vacancies: 4 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

The committee is an advisory board to the CRA Agency and City Council for the area defined as the Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. The committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the CRA Agency and City Council from property owners and organizations representing downtown Ocala. Meetings are held at least twice per year.

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

Size: multiple members

Term Length: 4 years

 

East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Advisory Committee

The committee is an advisory board to the CRA Agency and City Council for the area defined as the East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. The committee 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 March 1, 2029; 1 term ending March 1, 2026.

Size: multiple members

Term Length: 4 years

 

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

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; 3 terms ending March 1, 2026, for construction member, area resident and HOPS member.

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

 

Housing Authority Board

The authority is committed to providing and expanding safe, decent and sanitary housing in the most cost-efficient manner to residents of Marion County, to provide economic opportunities and housing free from illegal discrimination and to build better neighborhoods by providing comprehensive opportunities for residents through partnerships and networking within our community. Provides subsidized housing units and rental assistance payments to income eligible residents in Marion County. Commissioners may not be an officer or employee of the city of Ocala. At Least one commissioner shall be a resident who is current in rent in a housing project or a person of low or very low income who resides with the housing authority’s jurisdiction.

Vacancies: 2 terms ending March 2026.

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

 

Municipal Arts Commission

The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the city government in connection with the artistic and cultural development of the city and aesthetic aspects of city activities. The purpose of the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission Grant Program is to provide nonprofit organizations and individual artists financial support to pursue artistic endeavors that will benefit the community by fostering the awareness and development of the cultural climate in Marion County, Florida. Appointments shall be made by City Council on the basis of experience and interest in the cultural arts at the sole discretion of City Council. Whenever possible, the membership of the commission shall include a representative member from the College of Central Florida’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, Fine Arts of Ocala (FAFO), Marion County School Board, Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), Ocala Civic Theatre and The Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Vacancies: 21 term ending March 1, 2026

Size:  11 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Municipal Code Enforcement Board

The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting and permitting requirements of the city of Ocala and 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; 3 terms ending March 1, 2026

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee

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 the North Magnolia CRA area.

Vacancies: 1 vacancy for term ending March 1, 2029; 1 term ending March 1, 2026.

Size: 7 members

Term Length: 4 years

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission is responsible for advising City Council on current and long-range planning, review and permitting of land development. Make recommendations to City Council relating to zoning and land use and ensure changes proposed are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Members must be qualified voters of the city. Form 1 financial disclosures are required to be submitted annually to the Florida State Ethics Commission.

Vacancies: 3 terms ending Mar 1, 2026.

Size: 7 members

Term Length: 3 years

 

Tree Commission

Develop and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting and removal of trees on property owned or controlled by the city and on property owned or controlled by all other governmental entities when this property is located within the city limits. Members shall be licensed tree surgeons, landscape architects or landscaping contractors or other interested citizens chosen for their knowledge of, concern about and participation in issues affecting the city’s urban tree population.

Vacancies:  2 terms ending March 1, 2029.

Size:  5 members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

 

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

The committee shall advise the CRA Agency and City Council on redevelopment efforts of the area defined as the West Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. Meets at least two times per year.

Vacancies: 2 current vacancies for terms ending March 1, 2029; 1 term ending March 1, 2026

Size: 9 members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

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Marion County

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 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 November 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  County Historical Commission

Vacancies: 1  full member, term expires November 2026.

Responsibilities: Must have interest or background in the history, cultural heritage, development and institutions of Marion County, as well as a commitment to preserving and commemorating that legacy. Members are responsible for collecting, organizing, recording, and preserving historical materials and data, including books, maps, manuscripts, family histories, census records and other relevant documents and artifacts.

 

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: Must be residents of Marion Oaks.

 

Marion Oaks Recreation and Facilities 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

 

Rainbow Lakes Estates

Vacancies: 1 full member, term through November 2029.

Responsibilities: Participate in the preparation of the 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.

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be registered electors residing within the Rainbow Lakes Estates Municipal Service District.