LOI 26-084 Letter of Interest for Code Compliance Special Master and Alternate Special Master Services

Citrus County, Florida's Code Compliance Division is soliciting a Letter of Interest (LOI 26-084) to procure services from two qualified attorneys to serve as Special Master and Alternate Special Master for code compliance hearings. The Special Masters will function as hearing officers, conducting monthly hearings (typically on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 am at the Citrus County Courthouse, 110 N. Apopka Ave., Room 100, Inverness, FL 34450) to hear and decide alleged violations of Citrus County codes, including Chapter 19 (Code Enforcement Ordinance), Chapter 20 (Nuisance Ordinance), Chapter 106 (Waterways), and the Land Development Code, pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes. Qualified respondents must hold a Florida Bar membership with a minimum of five years standing and demonstrate knowledge of Citrus County Code, the Land Development Code, and Chapter 162 Florida Statutes. The Special Masters will issue findings of fact and conclusions of law in a timely manner, work collaboratively with County staff, and possess quasi-judicial authority to assess administrative fines (up to $250 per day for first violations and $500 per day for repeat violations, unless higher limits have been adopted), impose repair costs, and issue orders with the force of law. Submissions are due by Thursday, February 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm via the OpenGov procurement portal, with a public opening scheduled for 2:15 pm via Microsoft Teams and Board approval of selection and award scheduled for April 14, 2026. Required submittals include a title page, letter of transmittal, resume detailing legal career and qualifications in local government and land use law, three references with contact information for similar services provided within the past five years, and hourly rate pricing for all costs associated with services.

The procurement is open to qualified individual attorneys and does not contain specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though all standard federal and state compliance certifications are required, including E-Verification System compliance, immigration law compliance, equal employment opportunity assurances, drug-free workplace certification, and various conflict of interest and debarment certifications. The Special Masters will be designated as independent contractors (not County employees) and are permitted to maintain private practices provided such activities do not conflict with contract obligations or create conflicts of interest under Florida Bar rules. The contract term is one year from execution with options to renew for four additional one-year periods contingent upon satisfactory performance and mutual agreement between the County and successful respondent, and either party may terminate with sixty days written notice or the County with thirty days notice if funds become unavailable. No incumbent vendors or specific award values are identified in the solicitation documents, though compensation will be established at an hourly rate to be determined by contract and paid in compliance with the Florida Prompt Payment Act. The Special Master must maintain a reputation for integrity, responsibility, and professional ability, maintain public records in compliance with Florida Statutes Chapter 119, and indemnify the County against claims arising from negligent acts or omissions.