§ 2-7-21. Special magistrates; appointment, qualifications.

(a)

The board of county commissioners may appoint one or more special magistrates who shall have the authority to hold hearings, assess fines against violators of the County's codes and ordinances, reduce fines in whole or in part, and otherwise exercise the powers of a code enforcement board as provided in Chapter 162, Part I, Florida Statutes, and to the extent provided in this article.

(b)

Special magistrates shall be residents of the county with demonstrated knowledge of administrative laws, land use law, and local government regulation and procedures. No attorney who has been disciplined by the Florida Bar or a bar of any other jurisdiction shall be appointed as a special magistrate. Any other qualifications may be established by resolution of the board of county commissioners.

(c)

Special magistrates shall be appointed to a term of four (4) years and may be reappointed by the board of county commissioners.

(d)

Special magistrates shall serve without compensation.

(e)

Regular and special hearings may be held as often as necessary. All hearings shall be open to the public.

(f)

Minutes and records of hearings before a special magistrate shall be kept and maintained by the county in the manner and to the extent required by law. The county shall provide necessary and reasonable clerical and administrative support to enable a special magistrate to perform his or her duties. A special magistrate shall not be authorized to hire or use the services of any person except those provided by the County to assist in the performance of his or her duties.

(g)

The county attorney, or the county attorney's designee, shall be counsel to the special magistrate.

(h)

A special magistrate shall be subject to removal for cause. Failure to attend a hearing for which notice has been given without cause and without the prior notice to the county, shall constitute cause for removal.

(Ord. No. 17-44 , § 3, 9-26-17)