Seeking qualifications for legal services as Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATION FOR LEGAL SERVICES AS CODE
ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL MAGISTRATE
TOWN OF ZOLFO SPRINGS, FLORIDA

The Town of Zolfo Springs, Florida is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualification (SOQs) from attorneys licensed in the State of Florida. The Town is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Lakeland. The duties would involve serving as Code Enforcement Special Magistrate pursuant to Chapter 162, Part 1, Florida Statutes.  Minimum qualification is no less than five (5) years as a licensed attorney, and current license in the State of Florida. Preference will be given to attorneys who have substantial trial, or code enforcement experience. Certification as a CCLG or trial attorney may be considered. The engagement will be on an “as-needed” basis. More than one special magistrate may be chosen to ensure availability when needed.  The responding attorney must not be working as special magistrate for any other government or otherwise act as an “officer” for any government such that an unconstitutional dual officeholding condition would be created. Responding attorneys must include the hourly rate proposed. If the attorney is willing to use law firm staff to act as Special Magistrate secretarial staff for drafting orders, liens, etc., the hourly rate and description of such secretarial assistance must be stated. The Special Magistrate contract will require compliance with §119.0701 FS.  Draft contract form and scoring sheets providing the factors to be considered by the commission in choosing special magistrate(s) are available through the Town Clerk, and should be considered in drafting the SOQs.

One copy of the Letter of Interest, and eight (8) copies of the SOQs from interested attorneys or firms must be clearly marked as “SPECIAL MAGISTRATE SOQ” and be delivered on or before 4:00 p.m., March 16, 2026, addressed to Ms. Susan Williamson, Town Clerk, PO Box 162, Zolfo Springs, Florida 33890.  Contact the Town Attorney, Gerald T. Buhr, at 863-508-7055 if you have other questions. The Town reserves the right to reject all proposals.