Description

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, is seeking qualified applicants for the contract position of Special Magistrate.  The Special Magistrate shall have jurisdiction and authority to hear and to decide alleged violations and exercise the powers as provided by Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, and Brevard County, Florida Code of Ordinances for Code Enforcement, Land Development, Contractor Licensing, Vested Rights, Nuisances Abatement issues, Dangerous Animals, and Adult Entertainment licensing cases or other matters requiring appeal under the County’s Code or Ordinances or Policies.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Conduct monthly hearing to address alleged violations of the County’s Code of Ordinances and Policies
•  Enforce rules for the conduct of hearings
•  Take testimony under oath
•  Assess civil penalties and issue binding orders to ensure compliance
•  Provide detailed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders for each case

Magistrate’s Role:

•  Preside over monthly hearings to address code violations
•  Assess penalties, enforce compliance, and mitigate fines as appropriate
•  Receive testimony and provide legally binding rulings
•  Serve as a trusted legal authority, ensuring fairness and impartiality.

What you Bring

•   Legal Expertise of at least five years of legal practice, with preference for candidates with prior experience as a hearing officer and/or trial and litigation
•   Integrity and commitment to impartiality, ethical standards, and the rule of law
•   Ability to quickly adopt hearing rules and provide clear, expeditious decisions in complex cases

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Must be admitted to the Florida Bar and in good standing with no history of disciplinary action or ethical violations
• Engaged in the practice of law in Florida
• At least five years of legal practice, with preference given to candidates with prior experience in local government, as a hearing officer, and/or trial and litigation.

Why Join Brevard County, Florida

• Flexibility, monthly hearings, offering balance and purpose
• Community Impact, uphold and enforce laws that preserve the quality of life in the County
• As an appointed official acting on behalf and within the jurisdiction of the County, the Special Magistrate is a covered party under the County’s Public Officials Liability insurance program.
• Independent Contractor
• Compensation based on qualifications and years of relevant experience

Please submit an electronic resume to Mary Bowers at [email protected] or mail to the attention of Mary Bowers, Brevard County Government Center, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, 3rd Floor, Suite C303, Viera, FL. 32940.  Resumes must be received by Brevard County no later than 3:00 PM local time on August 12, 2026. Resumes received after 3:00 PM on August 12, 2026, will not be accepted for consideration.