Governmental board vacancies

[File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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Posted August 25, 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 application is at: belleviewfl.org/DocumentCenter/View/39/City-Board-Application-PDF?bidId=

 

Youth Council

Description: The Belleview Youth Council is a leadership and civic engagement program designed to connect 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.

Vacancies: Several are open for the 2025-26 school year

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

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.

Vacancies: One, for second alternate term

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

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 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.

Vacancies: Two for regular members (terms ending July 14, 2027, and Jan. 11, 2028), one for second alternate member (term ending Jan. 9, 2026)

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 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.

 

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. The requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on its page. If you have questions, email [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. 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: One, term runs to March 1, 2028

Size: Seven members

Term Length: Four years

 

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: Three, terms running through March 1, 2028 and 2029

Size: Nine members

Term Length: Four years

 

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 consists of members appointed by the CRA Agency and City Council from property owners and organizations representing Downtown Ocala.

Vacancies: One, for term ending March 1, 2027

Size: Multiple members

Term Length: Four years

 

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 and shall advise them on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Vacancies: One, for term ending March 1, 2029

Size: Multiple members

Term Length: Four 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 shall consist of five persons; two firefighters elected by the firefighter members of the plan. 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: One, term ending Oct. 4, 2025

Size: Nine members

Term Length: Three years

 

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Description: The OHPAB 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; 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; advise individuals on preservation of historic structures; educate public on economic benefits of same; and submit annual report to SHPO covering annual activities.

Vacancies: One, for an architect

Size: Nine members

Term Length: Three years

 

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 Municipal Code Enforcement 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: Two, for alternate members

Size: Seven members

Term Length: Three years

 

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 of Ocala. 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: One, term ending March 1, 2026

Size: Seven members

Term Length: Two years

 

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: Two

Size: Seven members

Term Length: Two years

 

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: One, for term ending March 1, 2029

Size: Nine members

Term Length: Four years

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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. Email completed forms to [email protected]. Applications also can be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, or by calling (352) 438-2323.

 

Industrial Development Authority

Description: Members evaluate industrial and manufacturing projects, along with related facilities, to determine the appropriateness of financing such projects through the issuance of industrial development bonds. They are responsible for studying the county’s advantages, facilities, resources, products, attractions and overall conditions to support and encourage economic development in Marion County. Members must be residents and registered voters of Marion County.

Vacancies: One, term through May 2027

 

Land Development Regulation Commission

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.

Vacancies: One full member, term expires August 2026; one alternate member, term expires September 2029.

 

Pine Run MSTU Advisory Council

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.

Vacancies: One, term expires June 2028

 

 Planning and Zoning Commission

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.

Vacancies: Four full members and one alternate member, terms through September 2029.