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1. How do I request public records from the City of Tavares?

In accordance with 2017-21, Laws of Florida / Statute 119, Florida
CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS
City of Tavares
201 E. Main St.
Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: 352-742-6209

Public records, City Council resolutions and ordinances, and other information can be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 352.742.6209 or email Susie Novack, City Clerk, at snovack@tavares.org. Many documents are already available online in our Document and Archive Centers.

• The City Clerk’s office is available to assist you with your public records requests.  To expedite your request, please visit the City Clerk’s office, 2nd floor, Tavares City Hall, 201 E Main Street, call 352.742.6279 or 352.742.6209, or Email City Clerk. 
• Police Department public records requests should be submitted to Michelle Taylor. Email Michelle Taylor, phone at 352.742.6200, or mail/visit 911 Gateway Drive, Tavares, Florida 32778.
• To obtain the City of Tavares Police Officers’ Pension Trust Fund and City of Tavares Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund please Email Foster and Foster, Inc.

2. How can I speak at the Tavares City Council Meetings?

City Council Meetings are an opportunity for the public to speak on issues of concern. This can be done in two ways: Based on the Request to Speak forms received, the Mayor will call for comments during the appropriate agenda item. Each person who submitted a request for that topic may go to the podium and speak to the Council. At the completion of the listed agenda items, there is an Audience to be Heard portion, when the public can go to the podium and speak on any topic of concern, whether is it on the day's agenda, or not. Persons who filled out a Request to Speak form on a topic not on the current Council agenda will be called to the podium during this time. Once the City Council agenda has been compiled and posted, any person wishing to speak at the meeting must notify the City Clerk at snovack@tavares.org or 352.742.6209. Forms can be downloaded, filled in, and brought to the meeting or emailed to the City Clerk. Forms will also be available in the Council Chambers 30 minutes prior to the meeting for the public to fill in and submit to the City Clerk before the meeting starts. If a form has not been turned in before the meeting, the Mayor or Chair of the meeting has the option of whether or not to accept public comment.

Request to Speak Form

3. How do I get appointed to City Boards or Committees?

As openings become available the City will advertise for Tavares residents to fill the vacancy. All interested persons will be asked to submit an application for consideration. A copy of the application can be found at the link below.  The Mayor makes appointments to the following boards and committees:

Fire & Police Pension Boards

Tavares Advisory Library Board

Tavares Planning & Zoning Board

Lake County Arts & Cultural Alliance - City Representative

MPO Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee - City Representative

Lake County Library Advisory Board - City Representative

Lake Community Action Agency - City Representative

Applications should be submitted to the City Clerk.  For additional questions regarding serving on a City of Tavares board or committee please contact the City Clerk at 352.742.6209 or by Email.

Application for City Board or Committee

4. When do City Council Seats expire? When does Tavares hold elections to fill open seats?

The City of Tavares holds City Council elections each year in November, with Council members serving two year terms.

Seat #1, Seat #3, and Seat #5 come open in even years.
Seat #2 and Seat #4 come open in odd years.

All seats are at-large and a potential candidate can declare to run for any open seat.

Candidates interested in running for open seats must qualify by mid-August of each election year. If you are interested in becoming a candidate for City Council, contact Susie Novack, City Clerk for specific deadlines and a qualifying packet at 352.742.6209 or snovack@tavares.org