Advisory Boards

Advisory boards offer residents the opportunity to help guide the County government's decision-making process.

All advisory board meetings are open to the public and meeting dates are posted on the Manatee County Government Calendar. You are encouraged to attend a meeting to learn more about the work of the board in which you are interested.

Manatee County advisory boards cover a wide range of topics such as affordable housing, children's services, the environment, health care, tourism, planning and development, historical preservation and more.

Apply for an advisory board

View Current Openings

You must complete an application to be considered for an advisory board. The County Commission appoints the members for each board.

• Positions are advertised as openings become available. Applications are accepted only when an open position is advertised.
• Membership requirements, meeting frequency and length of terms vary by board.
• Eligibility for membership on certain advisory boards, committees, and commissions requires a valid voter registration card.
• Membership on certain advisory boards, committees, and commissions requires financial disclosure or the submission of other information.
• Advisory boards operate in the sunshine, as expressed in Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. All meetings and documents are open for public attendance and inspection. Advisory board applications are public documents and can be viewed by anyone who makes a public record request.  
• Advisory boards, committees or commissions having the authority to make factual determinations, review permit applications, issue permits, grant variances, or impose fines exercise a part of the County’s sovereign powers and members are prohibited by Florida law from holding more than one such position. If you currently hold another state, municipal or county government appointment, County staff will assist in confirming your eligibility to serve on the board for which you are applying.

Advisory Boards, Committees and Commissions

For questions regarding a specific advisory board, committee, or commission, please contact the County staff liaison listed on that board's website (see below), or call the County Commission Office at (941) 745-3700.

• Affordable Housing Advisory Board
• Animal Services Advisory Board
• Children's Services Advisory Board
• Code Enforcement Special Magistrate
• Citizens Oversight Committee for Infrastructure Sales Tax
• Construction Trades Board
• Criminal Nuisance Abatement Board
• Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Advisory Committee
• Historical Commission*
• Historic Preservation Board
• Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County*
• Investment Policy Advisory Board
• Library Advisory Board
• Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee*
• Planning Commission
• Public Safety Coordinating Council*
• Tourist Development Council
• Value Adjustment Board*

*Also includes members appointed by other authorities