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

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Posted September 23, 2025 | Staff report

Consider having your voice heard in local government by helping out on a volunteer board. By serving on a board, your experience and knowledge can influence governmental decisions and help your fellow citizens. These are the current vacancies for various boards in the cities of Marion County and the county.

 

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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. 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, starting Sept. 25. For more information, visit 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

 

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.

Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. 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 Comprehensive Plan and reviews all land-related/zoning ordinances to determine consistency to the Comprehensive 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

 

 

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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 city leaders and council. All are welcome to submit an application. 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. Anyone with questions may contact [email protected] or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 629-8266.

Board of Adjustment

Description

The board considers applications for zoning variances and special exception considerations for business and residential construction projects within the city limits, hears and decides 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), authorizes special exceptions as provided in the zoning code and authorizes 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 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: 1 vacancy for term ending March 1, 2027.

Size: multiple 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. 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.

Size: multiple members

Term Length: 4 years

Firefighters’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

Description: The sole and exclusive administration of, and the responsibility for the proper, effective operation of the retirement plan is vested in a board of trustees. The board of trustees shall consist of two firefighters elected by the firefighter members of the plan and two trustees shall be residents of the city appointed by City Council. The fifth member of the board shall be chosen by a majority of the other four members of the board and appointed by City Council as a ministerial act. Form 1 Financial Disclosures are required to be submitted annually to the Florida State Ethics Commission.

Vacancies: 1 term ending Oct. 4, 2025.

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

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 located within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Make recommendations to City Council for matters relating to historic resources in 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 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

 

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. Makes recommendations to City Council relating to zoning and land use and ensures that changes proposed are consistent with city’s 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: 1 citizen term ending March 1, 2026.

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 2 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, one expired

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 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

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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 August 2026; 1 alternate member term expires September 2029.

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

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.

 

Marion Oaks General Services Advisory Council

Vacancies: 1 full member, term expires ending Sept, 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 Feb, 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.

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).

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.