LOI_25-103__Solicitation-COMPLETE-Special_Master_Growth_Management.pdf

Citrus County, Florida Page 1 of 7 LOI 25-103 (RE-BID) Letters of Interest for Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master December 28, 2024 Services-Department of Growth Management

INVITATION TO SUBMIT

LOI 25-103

LETTER OF INTEREST FOR

(RE-BID) BUILDING DIVISION LICENSING COMPLIANCE SPECIAL MASTER

SERVICES

DEPARTMENT OF GROWTH MANAGEMENT

Citrus County, Florida (“County”), is seeking the services for a qualified attorney to serve as the Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master (“Special Master”) pursuant to Citrus County Code, Chapter 18, Article II, Contractor Licensing and Chapter 489, Part I and Part II, Florida Statute.

The Special Master will perform the duties of hearing officer as provided in the Citrus County Code, hearing all cases assigned to him/her by Citrus County involving alleged violation of the various codes of the County, as they may be amended from time to time. The Special Master shall work with County staff and be prepared to issue, in a timely manner, findings of fact and conclusions of law consistent with the powers granted.

County has advertised this Invitation for Letter of Interest in the

• Citrus County Chronicle Legal Ad section,

• Florida Bar Classifieds: https://www.floridabar.org/classified-ads/,

• OpenGov: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl

• VendorLink: https://www.myvendorlink.com/common/searchsolicitations.aspx and

• DemandStar:

http://www.demandstar.com/supplier/bids/agency_inc/bid_list.asp?f=search&mi=10180

ELECTRONIC VENDOR SYSTEM / OPENGOV REGISTRATION

County has partnered with OpenGov Procurement, a web-based eProcurement service. Current bid solicitations and associated addenda, notices of recommended bid award, and current bid awards will be posted at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl. Bid Notifications will be sent electronically via e-mail from OpenGov to registered Bidders. It is the sole responsibility of interested parties to monitor OpenGov for solicitation opportunities and updates.

Visit https://procurement.opengov.com/signup to register OpenGov is an online Bidder registration system that provides a free, at no cost to Bidder, secure, user-friendly Internet portal and one-stop service center to register with County. This system also allows you to receive automatic email notifications regarding County’s upcoming competitive solicitations as opportunities become available. Registration assistance is available by e-mail procurement-support@opengov.com. All Citrus County Vendors/Contractors/Consultants will need to register with OpenGov, in order to, be able to submit Bids/Proposals/Qualifications etc., to County.

OpenGov Procurement has no affiliation with the County other than as a service that facilitates communication between the County and its Bidder. OpenGov Procurement is an independent entity and is not an agent or representative of the County.

Submission of Letter of Interest

Electronic Bid submittal for this Letter of Interest is to be submitted on or before Thursday, February 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm. It is the sole responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that their letter of interest is submitted through OpenGov Procurement no later than the time and date specified https://www.floridabar.org/classified-ads/ https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl https://www.myvendorlink.com/common/searchsolicitations.aspx http://www.demandstar.com/supplier/bids/agency_inc/bid_list.asp?f=search&mi=10180 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl https://procurement.opengov.com/signup mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com

Citrus County, Florida Page 2 of 7 LOI 25-103 (RE-BID) Letters of Interest for Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master December 28, 2024 Services-Department of Growth Management in the Solicitation or subsequent addenda. BIDDERS MUST COMPLETE THE INFORMATION

VENDOR/CONTRACTOR RESPONSES REQUESTED IN THE SECTION.

Bids shall be submitted through the online solicitation management portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl. You may enter information and/or upload completed forms/documents using the OpenGov portal. Bidders must have registered and received an established account in advance of uploading submissions. When submitting an offer electronically through the solicitation posting portal, please allow sufficient time to complete the online forms and upload documents. The solicitation offer will end at the closing time listed in the Event Timeline included in this Solicitation. If you are in the middle of uploading your documents at the closing time, the system will stop the process, and your offer will not be received by the system. It is recommended that the submission process be completed the day prior to the due date, with the knowledge that any changes/updates will be accepted up to the due date and time.

If technical difficulties arise during submission of the Solicitation submittal, it is the submitting Bidder’s responsibility to contact OpenGov Procurement technical support. For support, click on the “Help” link on the Solicitation Posting portal; or email procurement-support@opengov.com.

NOTE: In the event, there is a verified technical issue with the Platform (and not user/Bidder issues) that prevents all Bidders from submitting a Bid within the two (2) hours immediately before the due time, the County may issue an addendum to extend the solicitation due date and time.

However, the technical issue must be a result of the Platform provider (OpenGov Procurement) and affect all participating Bidders. The County shall verify the technical issue or unavailability of the Platform with OpenGov Procurement, and the system provider. Technical issues localized to a single Bidder will not be considered cause for an extension. County shall not be responsible for delays caused in any occurrence.

Letters of Interest Submittal Format

Proposals must include the following and shall be limited to 30 pages (not including the covers)

Provide firm’s physical location both main and local office.

Provide a resume, and, in detail, applicants o background.

o legal career.

o qualifications, and o experience in Local Government Law and Land Use Law.

Provide (3) References for which Attorney has provided services similar to outlined in this

Letter of Interest over the past five (5) years. References should include o client name, o address, o contact person, o phone number, o e-mail address and o a description of services.

Hourly rate of Attorney and legal support staff.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl

Citrus County, Florida Page 3 of 7 LOI 25-103 (RE-BID) Letters of Interest for Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master December 28, 2024 Services-Department of Growth Management

The following shall be the minimum qualifications for any person appointed to the position of a License Compliance Special Master:

Sec. 18-56. - The license compliance special master.

(a) There is hereby established and created, for the purpose of hearing and deciding matters of alleged violations of chapter 18, this article, and F.S. ch. 489, part I and part II, and to impose fines and enforcement costs when applicable, a licensing compliance special master. The special master shall be vested with all the powers granted to a construction licensing appeal board under Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time, except that any powers conferred upon local governments therein, including but not limited to, the authority to execute satisfactions and releases of liens, or to otherwise mitigate code fines and liens shall not be delegated to the special master, but are expressly reserved for the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners.

(b) An attorney from the county attorney's office shall either be counsel to the license compliance special master or shall represent the county, but in no case shall the attorney from the county attorney's office serve in both capacities.

Sec. 18-57. - Qualifications of the license compliance special master

1. Must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar for a minimum of five years and shall demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Citrus County Code and Chapter 489 Part 1 and Part II, Florida Statutes.

2. Must possess a reputation in the community for integrity, responsibility and professional liability.

Sec. 18-59. - Jurisdiction of the license compliance special master.

(a) The license compliance special master shall have the jurisdiction to hear and decide alleged violations of chapter 18, this article and F.S. ch. 489, parts I and II, Florida Statutes as it pertains to contractor licensing.

(b) The jurisdiction of the license compliance special master shall not be exclusive. Any alleged violation of the county codes may be enforced by appropriate action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) The license compliance special master shall not hear any case in which he or she has a conflict of interest through familiar relationship, personal or business financial interest, or other conflict of interest recognized under the rules regulating the Florida bar.

Sec. 18-60. - Powers and duties of the license compliance special master.

The Contractor License Compliance Special Master shall have the power to:

(1) Conduct disciplinary hearings against state/local certified contractors, registered contractors and business organizations or financially responsible officers issued a certificate of competency;

when the report of a designated code enforcement office, field investigator, the building official or his/her designee shows alleged violations of this County’s Code.

(2) To issue a final order of disciplinary action against a contractor and/or a business organization and/or a financially responsible officer; for violating this County’s Code.

(3) Impose all penalties and perform any functions set forth in the provisions of County’s Code.

(4) To suspend, revoke a certificate, registration, or certificate of competency for any individual or business organization that associates a person as an officer, director, or partner, or in a

Citrus County, Florida Page 4 of 7 LOI 25-103 (RE-BID) Letters of Interest for Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master December 28, 2024 Services-Department of Growth Management managerial or supervisory capacity, after such person has been found under a final order to have violated this section or was an officer, director, partner, trustee, or manager of a business organization disciplined upon finding reasonable cause that such person knew or reasonably should have known of the conduct leading to the discipline.

(5) Impose all penalties and related disciplinary guidelines adopted in the County Code.

(6) Take testimony under oath.

Questions/Additional Terms and Conditions/Variances/Exceptions

Bidders may submit questions about the meaning or intent of the Invitation to Bid or Agreement to the website link (www.myvendorlink.com) in written format only and shall submit such on or before the deadline for questions listed in the Event Timeline. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary in response to such questions will be issued by a written

Addendum. Only questions answered by formal written Addendum will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. Questions submitted shall not constitute formal protest of the specifications or of this Invitation to Bid.

A written addendum, if applicable, will be issued online to VendorLink (www.myvendorlink.com) and/or DemandStar® websites in response to questions received as of the specified deadline in the Event Timeline.

Issues regarding any and all discrepancies, errors, or ambiguities in the Request for Qualification documents, including those noted in the Agreement shall be submitted in writing to www.myvendorlink.com on or before deadline for questions which is listed in the Event Timeline.

Contact Person

All inquiries pertaining to this Invitation to Bid are to be directed to both:

Linda Morse Karin McMahon

Purchasing & Contracts Manager Purchasing & Contracts Specialist

Department of Management & Budget

Department of Management & Budget

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266

Lecanto, Florida 34461 Lecanto, Florida 34461

Phone: 352-527-5457 Phone: 352-527-5457

Fax: 352-527-5424 Fax: 352-527-5424

Email:

linda.morse@citrusbocc.com

Email:

karin.mcmahon@citrusbocc.com

Leigha Utter Saleem Mahmood

Purchasing Assistant Purchasing Assistant

Department of Management & Budget

Department of Management & Budget

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266

Lecanto, Florida 34461 Lecanto, Florida 34461

Phone: 352-527-5457 Phone: 352-527-5457

Fax: 352-527-5424 Fax: 352-527-5424

Email: leigha.utter@citrusbocc.com

Email:

Saleem.mahmood@citrusbocc.com

CAUTION: In accordance with Section 287.057 (25) of the Florida Statutes, Bidders to this solicitation, or persons acting on their behalf, may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, http://www.myvendorlink.com/ http://www.myvendorlink.com/ http://www.myvendorlink.com/ mailto:linda.morse@citrusbocc.com mailto:karin.mcmahon@citrusbocc.com mailto:leigha.utter@citrusbocc.com mailto:Saleem.mahmood@citrusbocc.com

Citrus County, Florida Page 5 of 7 LOI 25-103 (RE-BID) Letters of Interest for Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master December 28, 2024 Services-Department of Growth Management

Sundays and legal holidays, any employee or officer of the County concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Contact Person noted above. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response to this solicitation.

Timeliness of Letter of Interest Submittal

Letter of Interests submitted after the due date and time listed in the Event Timeline shall not be accepted. There will be no exceptions to this policy. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to ensure their Letter of Interest is uploaded by the due date and time.

Terms of Services

If award is made, an Agreement shall be executed and the duration of the Agreement shall be for a period of one (1) year, with an option to renew for four (4) additional, one (1) year period. The renewal option will be conditioned upon satisfactory performance by Respondent and will be subject to availability of funds. The renewal option can only be exercised through mutual agreement between County and Respondent. The date that Respondent shall commence the provision of Services shall be the date on which a Purchase Order and/or a Notice to Proceed is received by Respondent.

Event Timeline

Respondents should review and become familiar with the Event Timeline. The dates and times of each activity within the Timeline may be subject to change. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check for any changes.

Any person requiring reasonable accommodation at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the County Administrator's Office, 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 267, Lecanto, FL 34461, (352) 527-5210, at least two days before the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, dial 7-1-1, 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) or 1-800-955-8770 (v), via Florida Relay Service.

**All public Meetings are subject to change or can be cancelled

EVENT DATE TIME

Issue Request for Proposal December 28, 2024

Deadline for Questions January 27, 2025 4:00 PM

Proposal Due Date and Time February 11, 2025 2:00 PM

Public Opening of Proposals February 11, 2025 2:15 PM

Board Approval of Award of Contract (Subject to change) March 11, 2025

Public Opening of Letters of Interests

Electronic Letters of Interests shall be opened and read aloud publicly on February 11, 2025, at 2:15 PM. The public opening shall be held via MICROSOFT TEAMS Conference Call. Since qualifications as well as pricing will be evaluated in determining an award, the only information conveyed at the Public Opening will be the names of Respondents.

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Citrus County, Florida Page 6 of 7 LOI 25-103 (RE-BID) Letters of Interest for Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master December 28, 2024 Services-Department of Growth Management

Public Records Act Bidders should make themselves familiar with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes concerning availability of public records. Section 119.071, Florida Statutes provides that sealed bids, proposals, or replies received by a Florida public agency shall remain exempt from disclosure until an intended decision is announced or until 30 days from the opening, whichever is earlier.

This means that Bidders will not be able to procure a copy of their competitor’s Bids until an intended decision is reached or 30 days has elapsed since the time of the Bid opening. Bid Documents may be viewed during normal business hours (which is Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) at 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 283, Lecanto, Florida. To request copies, visit our public records request portal:

https://www.citrusbocc.com/public-records-request.htm

Florida law generously defines what constitutes a public record and under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, all Bids are to be made available by County for viewing by the general public. If a Bidder believes that their Bid contains information that should not be a public record, the Bidder shall clearly segregate and mark that information as “Confidential” and describe in writing the grounds for claiming exemption from the public records law, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption. Any documents given to the Successful Bidder as part of performing the Work covered under this Invitation to Bid shall not be sold or distributed to third parties without the written consent of County.

Successful Bidder will be required to retain a copy of these documents for a minimum of five (5) years from completion of the Agreement. All documents, papers, letters, e-mails or other material made or received by the Successful Bidder in conjunction with the Work, unless exempt from Section 24(a) of Article I, Florida Constitution and Section 119.07(1), Florida Statutes, shall be made available for public access. Should the Successful Bidder refuse to allow such access, County has the unilateral right to cancel the Award.

Bidders should consult an attorney as to their duties under the records and information laws (Section 257.36, Florida Statutes) and public records laws (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) of the State of Florida. Significant judicial sanctions can be imposed for violation of these Statutes.

E-Verification System

Bidder and its subcontractors shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, Home | USCIS, in accordance with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, to verify the employment eligibility of: (1) all persons employed by Bidder during the contract term to perform any duties within Florida, and; (2) all persons, including subcontractors, assigned by Bidder to perform work pursuant to this Contract. Bidders meeting the terms and conditions of the E-Verify System are deemed to be in compliance with this provision. Bidder and its subcontractors shall provide County with affidavits stating that they do not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien. County is obligated to terminate this Agreement upon a good faith belief that Bidder or its subcontractors has knowingly violated Section 448.095, Florida Statutes.

Immigration and Nationality Act

Bidder shall comply with all immigration laws as outlined in 8 USC § 1324a – Unlawful employment of aliens. County will not intentionally award contracts to any Bidder who knowingly employs unauthorized Alien workers. Any violation of the employment provisions outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act throughout the term of any Agreement with County may constitute grounds for immediate termination of said Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bidder shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, and disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or handicap in accordance with the Provisions of:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000 et seq.), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.), Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (§ 760.10 et seq.), Title 41 https://www.citrusbocc.com/public-records-request.htm https://www.uscis.gov/

Citrus County, Florida Page 7 of 7 LOI 25-103 (RE-BID) Letters of Interest for Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master December 28, 2024 Services-Department of Growth Management

CFR Part 60 for compliance with Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title 49 CFR 23 and Title 49 CFR 26 for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. § 6101, et seq.), Title 49 CFR 21 and Title 49 CFR 23, Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap, Title 49 CFR 27, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102, et. seq.), Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 201, et seq.), and any other Federal and State discrimination statutes. Bidder shall furnish pertinent information regarding its employment policies and practices as well as those of their proposed Subcontractors as the State of Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Labor, or County may require. The above shall be required of any Subcontractor hired by Bidder. All Equal Employment Opportunity requirements shall be included in all non-exempt sub-contracts entered into by Bidder. Sub-contracts entered into by Bidder shall also include all other applicable labor provisions. No sub-contract shall be awarded to any non-complying Subcontractor. Additionally, Bidder shall insert in its sub-contracts a clause requiring Subcontractors to include these provisions in any lower tier sub-contracts that may in turn be made. Bidder shall comply with all state laws and local ordinances, except that any preferential consideration of local in-state Subcontractors is NOT allowed.

Remainder of Page Left Blank Intentional

Citrus County, Florida/________________________ Initial_________ LOI 24-087 Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master Services Page 1 of 7 Department of Growth Management

AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT made this ____ day of __________________________, 2025, by and between CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, whose address is 110 N. Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450, hereinafter referred to as “COUNTY”, and

______________________________________________, whose busines address is hereinafter referred to as “SPECIAL MASTER”.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

1. SPECIAL MASTER, by executing this Agreement, warrants that he is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar, possesses a reputation in the community for integrity, responsibility and professional ability and is fully qualified to perform the function of a

License Compliance SPECIAL MASTER as prescribed by the Citrus County Code.

2. The term shall be for one (1) year commencing upon execution of this Agreement and, upon the written agreement of the parties, may be renewed annually for four (4) one-year periods thereafter.

3. SPECIAL MASTER hereby agrees to perform the duties of hearing officer as provided in the Citrus County Code, hearing all cases assigned to him by COUNTY involving alleged violations of Chapter 18, citrus County Code and Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, as they may be amended from time to time. SPECIAL MASTER shall have all authority as provided by Citrus County Code and shall hear all matters assigned to him through completion. SPECIAL MASTER shall work with COUNTY staff and be prepared to issue, in a timely manner, findings of fact and conclusions of law consistent with the powers granted.

LOI 24-087 Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master Services Page 2 of 7 Department of Growth Management

4. Agreement Documents: The following documents shall become a part of this

Agreement:

▪ The Agreement, and any addenda to such:

▪ LOI 25-103 “(RE-BID) Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master

Services Department of Growth Management”

▪ SPECIAL MASTER'S Proposal dated _________________.

5. COUNTY shall provide an appropriate location to conduct hearing. Further, COUNTY shall provide staff to operate a recording device and any other staff necessary for

SPECIAL MASTER to perform his functions while holding hearings for COUNTY.

6. SPECIAL MASTER shall be paid the sum of _______________________

(___________) dollars per hour for each hour, or fraction thereof, for services rendered.

Payment by COUNTY shall be in compliance with the Florida Prompt Payment Act, as may be amended from time to time.

7. SPECIAL MASTER shall not be prohibited from handling privately retained cases in his/her private practice so long as it does not interfere with SPECIAL MASTER’s obligations under this Agreement. SPECIAL MASTER shall not hear any case in which he has a conflict of interest through familial relationship, personal or business financial interest, or other conflict of interest recognized under the Rules Regulating the Florida

Bar. SPECIAL MASTER shall promptly notify COUNTY of any conflicts that may arise.

8. COUNTY and SPECIAL MASTER intend that the relationship created by this

Agreement is that SPECIAL MASTER is an independent contractor. No agent or employee of SPECIAL MASTER shall be, or shall be deemed to be, the agent or employee of COUNTY.

9. This Agreement is not exclusive. COUNTY reserves the right to hire other individuals as SPECIAL MASTERS or ALTERNATE SPECIAL MASTERS during the term of this

LOI 24-087 Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master Services Page 3 of 7 Department of Growth Management

Agreement. SPECIAL MASTER shall not delegate or assign his rights or obligations hereunder, whether in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of COUNTY.

10. SPECIAL MASTER agrees and covenants that he shall perform the services described herein while at all times complying with the current requirements of the Code of

Professional Responsibility and the Disciplinary Rules of the Florida Bar.

11. COUNTY, upon reasonable notice, may audit or inspect SPECIAL MASTER’s records relating to services under this Agreement for a period of three (3) years after the termination of this Agreement. All records related to the performance of this Agreement shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Florida Public Records Act set forth in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

12. This Agreement is subject to the availability of funds. In the event funds to finance this

Agreement become unavailable, COUNTY may terminate this Agreement upon thirty

(30) days written notice. In such event, COUNTY shall pay SPECIAL MASTER for all services rendered prior to termination. COUNTY shall be the final authority as to availability of funds.

13. Unless specified otherwise, either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason at any time by furnishing sixty (60) days written notice of intent to terminate. Prior to termination SPECIAL MASTER must complete all of his duties, including but not limited to rendering written opinions or findings of fact and conclusion of law in any case pending or heard by SPECIAL MASTER prior to the notice of termination.

14. Any notice required to be given under any provision of this Agreement shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses set forth above.

15. This Agreement expresses the entire understanding of the parties concerning all matters covered herein. No modification of the terms of this Agreement, whether by written or verbal understanding of the parties, their officers, agents, or employees, shall

LOI 24-087 Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master Services Page 4 of 7 Department of Growth Management be valid unless made in the form of a written amendment to this Agreement and formally approved by the parties.

16. To the extent permitted by law, and notwithstanding any other provision of this

Agreement to the contrary, including Exhibits, SPECIAL MASTER shall indemnify, save and hold harmless COUNTY and all of its officers, agents or employees from and against any and all causes of action, demands, claims, losses, liabilities and expenditures of any nature whatsoever, including defense costs and fees, caused by intentional or negligent act of, or omission of, SPECIAL MASTER, his agents or employees or accruing, resulting from, or related to the subject matter of this Agreement including, without limitation, any and all claims, losses, liabilities, expenditures, demands or causes of action of any nature whatsoever resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or property. Neither SPECIAL MASTER nor any of his agents will be liable under this section for damages arising out of injury or damage to persons or property directly caused or resulting from the sole negligence of COUNTY or any of its officers, agents or employees. In the event any lawsuit or other proceeding is brought against COUNTY by reason of any such claim, cause of action or demand, SPECIAL MASTER shall, upon written notice from COUNTY, resist and defend such lawsuit or proceeding by counsel satisfactory to COUNTY or, at COUNTY'S option, pay for an attorney selected by COUNTY to defend COUNTY. This indemnification includes attorney’s fees and all costs of litigation including appellate attorney’s fees and costs as well as any judgments. The parties agree that this clause shall not waive the benefits or provisions of Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or any similar provision of law. The provisions and obligations of this section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement. To the extent considered necessary by COUNTY, any sums due SPECIAL MASTER under this Agreement may be retained by COUNTY until

LOI 24-087 Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master Services Page 5 of 7 Department of Growth Management all of COUNTY'S claims for indemnification pursuant to this Agreement have been settled or otherwise resolved; and any amount withheld shall not be subject to payment of interest by COUNTY.

17. SPECIAL MASTER will keep and maintain public records required by the COUNTY to perform the service. Upon request from the COUNTY’S custodian of public records, SPECIAL MASTER will provide the COUNTY with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time and at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided in Chapter 119, Florida Statues, or as otherwise provided by law. SPECIAL MASTER will ensure that the public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the term of the Agreement and following completion of the Agreement if SPECIAL MASTER does not transfer the records to the COUNTY. Upon completion of the Agreement, SPECIAL MASTER will transfer, at no cost, to the COUNTY all public records in possession of the SPECIAL

MASTER or keep and maintain public records required by COUNTY to perform the service. If SPECIAL MASTER transfers all public records to COUNTY upon completion of the Agreement, SPECIAL MASTER shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If

SPECIAL MASTER keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the

Agreement, SPECIAL MASTER shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the COUNTY, upon request from the COUNTY’S custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology system of the COUNTY. If SPECIAL MASTER does not comply with the COUNTY’S request for public records, the COUNTY shall enforce the contract provisions in accordance with the contract and may cancel the contract.

LOI 24-087 Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master Services Page 6 of 7 Department of Growth Management

IF SPECIAL MASTER HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE

APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE

SPECIAL MASTER’S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS

RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN

OF PUBLIC RECORDS, AT 3600 W. SOVEREIGN PATH,

LECANTO, FL 34461; PHONE: (352)527-5235; EMAIL:

RMLO@CITRUSBOCC.COM

Authority: Each person signing the Agreement warrants that he or she is duly authorized to do so and to bind the respective party to the Agreement.

This Section of Page Was Left Blank Intentionally mailto:RMLO@CITRUSBOCC.COM

LOI 24-087 Building Division Licensing Compliance Special Master Services Page 7 of 7 Department of Growth Management

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is accepted by the Parties as of the date noted below.

Signature of Witness (1)

Printed Name of Witness (1)

Signature of Witness (2) Name & Title

Printed Name of Witness (2)

STATE OF _____________________

COUNTY OF____________________

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me, by means of ⃞ physical presence or ⃞ online notarization, this _________ day of ________________________, 2025, by

___________________________________ as ___________________________________________ who is

⃞ personally known to me or ⃞ who produced _____________________ as identification.

Witness my hand and official seal this _______ day of ___________________, 2025.

NOTARY PUBLIC Signature Printed Name: ___________________________ Commission No.: ________________________ Expiration Date: _________________________

SEAL

CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA, A POLITICAL

SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

ATTEST:

___________________________________ BY: ___________________________________

CLERK REBECCA BAYS, CHAIRMAN

DATE: _________________________________

Official use only