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

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Posted February 17, 2026 | Staff report

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

City of Belleview:

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

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

Planning & Zoning Board

Description: The board acts as an advisory panel to the commission for planning and zoning issues. They also hear and decide variance and special exception requests. The board is subject to the Sunshine Regulations and must file financial disclosure forms upon appointment and annually thereafter.Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. One vacancy. For more information,visit belleviewfl.org/175/planning-zoning-board

City of Dunnellon:

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

Historic Preservation Board

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 the third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. One vacancy. For more information,visit dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-board

Planning Commission

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 the second Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. Four vacancies. To learn more, go to dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/planning-commission

City of Ocala:

The 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 leaders and council. Each board has its own page and application link. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter or owning real property within city limits. The requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on its page. To learn more, email [email protected] or call (352) 629-8266.

 

Airport Advisory Board

Description: The board assists and makes recommendations to City Council on subjects such as construction projects, leases, land sales, state and federal grants, and all other matters relating to the Ocala International Airport. Assists City Council with all issues affecting the Ocala International Airport.

Membership qualifications: Must be legal residents of Marion County and possess one or more of the following qualifications: 1) own real property within the city; 2) reside within the city; 3) own real property within the City; or 4) have a vested interest within the city.

Vacancies: 1

 

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

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

Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Description: 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 advise the Community Redevelopment Agency and City Council on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Membership qualifications: The committee shall consist of seven members appointed from property owners and organizations representing downtown Ocala.

Vacancies: 1

East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Advisory Committee

Description: 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

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Description: The board oversees the historic resources of the city and advises City Council and departments on matters relating to these resources, as well as manages Certificates of Appropriateness for properties within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. 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.

Vacancies: 1, for an architect

Housing Authority Board

Description: The Ocala Housing 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. Provides subsidized housing units and rental assistance payments to income eligible residents.

Membership qualifications: May not be an officer or an 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

Municipal Arts Commission

Description: 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. 

Membership qualifications: Appointments shall be made by City Council on the basis of experience and interest in the cultural arts. Whenever possible, the membership of the commission shall include a representative from the College of Central Florida’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, Fine Arts of Ocala, Marion County School Board, Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala Civic Theater and The Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Vacancies: 1

 

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 and state, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits and many other local ordinances and state statutes. The board hears cases relating to code violations. Empowered to levy fines and place liens on property if violation not corrected.

Vacancies: 2

 

North Magnolia 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.

Membership qualifications: 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

 

Planning & Zoning Commission

Description: The commission is responsible for advising City Council on current and long-range planning, review and permitting of land development within the City. Make recommendations to City Council relating to zoning and land use and ensure changes proposed are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

Membership qualifications: 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

Tree Commission

Description: The commission is responsible for the development and administration of a plan care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting and removal of trees on governmental properties within city limits.

Membership qualifications: Must be licensed tree surgeons, licensed landscape architects, licensed 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: 1

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.

Vacancies: 2

 

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Marion County

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.

Board of Adjustment

Responsibilities: Review and make decisions under the Marion County Land Development Code regarding citizen requests for variances or special exceptions. Hear and decide appeals concerning interpretations of the Land Development Code by the Zoning Department Manager. No member of the board shall hold any other public position or office in any municipality or county government in Marion County.

Qualifications/restrictions: Shall be residents of the county and registered voters.

Vacancies: 1

Code Enforcement

Responsibilities: Must be Marion County residents with experience in zoning and building control, preferably in fields such as architecture, engineering, general contracting or subcontracting. They have the authority to adopt hearing rules; subpoena violators, witnesses and documents; take testimony under oath; and issue legally binding orders to resolve violations and impose fines per county ordinance. Members are required to e-file Form 1 (Statement of Financial Interests) with the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Vacancies: 2

Hills of Ocala MSTU Advisory Council

Responsibilities: Members must reside within the district boundaries. They participate in preparing the annual budget request and provide input on the district’s programs, activities, operations, goals and objectives. Upon request by the Board of County Commissioners, members review and comment on district expenditures.

Vacancies: 1

Land Development Regulation Commission

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: Shall be residents of Marion County.

Vacancies: 2 alternates

Marion County Historical Commission

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.

Vacancies: 1  

Tourist Development Council

Responsibilities: Must be registered Marion County voters with an interest in tourism development and must be owners or operators of lodging subject to the tourist development tax. Members make recommendations to the County Commission on the effective use of tourist development tax revenues. Non-collector responsibilities: Make recommendations to the County Commission on the effective use of tourist development tax revenues. 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.

Vacancies: 3