Advisory boards, committees, authorities, agencies, commissions, councils, and task forces (“board”) are groups of individuals established by the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners through ordinance or resolution to provide advice and recommendations to the County Commission on a subject matter. The ordinance or resolution creating an advisory board specifies its powers, duties, and duration. Members of an advisory board (“members” or “appointees”) are appointed by the County Commission, unless otherwise stated in an advisory board’s enacting legislation.

Additionally, pursuant to federal or state law, or interlocal agreements, the Board of County Commissioners creates agencies, development and redevelopment authorities, and regulatory and adjustment boards, some of which have quasi-judicial functions. The County Commission designates duties, powers, and functions to be carried out in compliance with the enabling acts of these boards.

Each Okeechobee County board is overseen by a Department, Division, or Office assigned by County Administration, and each Director assigns a staff person to serve as the board’s coordinator. The board coordinator is responsible for all administrative duties required to appropriately staff the board including preparing and attending meetings. The County Attorney provides legal guidance to the board coordinator, the board members, and provides legal opinions when required.

It is recommended that all members review and become familiar with the below Member Handbook:

Okeechobee Advisory Board Member Handbook adopted Feb 2026

Training Requirements and Acknowledgement:

Within six months of appointment, advisory board members must complete the below listed trainings.  Advisory Board Members may be required to complete the training once every term.

Upon completion of the online training you are required to sign and submit an acknowledgement form with the County Administration office at 304 NW 2^nd Street, Okeechobee, Fl 34972 or by email at trowland@okeechobeecountyfl.gov.

Required Training:

Review: Open Government Overview: Sunshine Law and Public Records Law (23 slides)

Listen to: Public Meetings and Public Records Law (2 hour audio)

Watch: Voting Conflicts – Local Officers (58 minute video)

Watch: Acceptance of Gifts & Things of Value (45 minute video)

Additional resources:

2025 Government in the Sunshine Manual

Code of Ethics (98 minute video)

Upon your completion of the required training, you must print and execute the below Training Verification Form and email the executed form to trowland@okeechobeecountyfl.gov. 

Citizen Board-Committee Training Verification Form