HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is looking for fresh faces to help run the local government. County Commissioners officially opened the application window this week for dozens of volunteer positions across various advisory boards and committees. If you have ever wanted a direct say in how your community handles everything from library policies to building codes, now is the time to step up.
The deadline to get your paperwork in is the close of business on March 11, 2026. These roles are strictly voluntary, meaning there is no paycheck involved, but the influence is real. To be eligible, you must live in Hillsborough County and be a registered voter.
While you can apply for multiple spots, the Board of County Commissioners generally only allows residents to serve on one board at a time.
The available positions cover a massive range of interests. For those passionate about social issues, the Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee has three openings for people who work with youth or just want to serve as at-large members.
If you have a background in technical fields, boards like the Building Board of Adjustment or the Plumbing and Gas Board are looking for architects, engineers, and master plumbers to help maintain safety standards.
Other high-profile openings include seats on the Public Library Board, where four positions are expiring. These members help the Library Director plan for the future of the Tampa-Hillsborough system. There are also spots on the Human Relations Board, which handles equality and fair treatment complaints, and the Health Care Advisory Board, which focuses on medical access for low-income residents.
Applying is fairly straightforward but requires attention to detail. You can fill out the forms online, email them to boardservices@hcfl.gov, or even drop them off in person at the Frederick B. Karl County Center on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa. You will need to submit a full questionnaire and a Standards of Conduct form.
Be aware that some roles come with extra requirements. Positions involving sensitive information or vulnerable populations, like the Anti-Bullying or Library boards, require a criminal background check. Other roles, particularly those dealing with land use or financial auditing, require members to file annual financial disclosures to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.
Once the March 11 deadline passes, the Board of County Commissioners will review the candidates and schedule appointments during meetings in late March or April.
READ: Central Florida Vet Clinic Sued Over Alleged Spanish Ban And Retaliation
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
