RFP# GRM/260707 Special Magistrate Services for Code Enforcement

The City of Ocala is requesting proposals from qualified Florida-licensed attorneys or firms to serve as Special Magistrate for the Code Enforcement Division under RFP# GRM/260707, with sealed electronic proposals due May 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST via the City's e-procurement portal at https://www.bidocala.com. Questions are due May 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. No pre-submittal conference is scheduled.

Proposers must be active members in good standing with the Florida Bar and possess a minimum of five years of verifiable experience practicing law in litigation and administrative hearings involving local governmental land use, land development regulation, zoning matters, quasi-judicial procedures, and public hearings. The Special Magistrate cannot be a City of Ocala employee or hold appointive or elective office in Marion County or Florida. The position requires in-person attendance at hearings on the final Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at City Hall.

The Special Magistrate will hear and decide code enforcement cases, serve as Special Magistrate for the Contractor's Board of Examiners and Appeals, and hear parking cases and appeals covering municipal code chapters on land development, animals, fire prevention, solid waste, vehicles for hire, and commercial licensing. The Special Magistrate has authority to impose civil penalties, issue liens, order foreclosure of liens, subpoena witnesses and evidence, and issue orders to bring violations into compliance. All orders must be executed in accurate and final form within three business days of receipt.

Compensation is proposed on a flat hourly rate basis, with rates including all payroll costs, taxes, insurances, overhead, profit, legal research services, office supplies, mailing, and secretarial support. The contract term is initially one year with one optional one-year renewal available. A single proposer will be awarded.

Evaluation criteria are weighted: Firm/Attorney Qualifications and Experience (45 points), Availability and Responsiveness (40 points), and Price Proposal (15 points), with the lowest-priced proposal receiving maximum price points. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, conduct reference checks and personal interviews, and negotiate terms with the highest-ranked proposer before final City Council approval.