Mission Statement
The City Attorney is appointed by the City Commission. The City Attorney's Office provides legal counsel and advice to the City Commission, Charter Officers, all City Departments, and its 28 City Boards and Committees. Day-to-day operation of the City requires attorneys to interpret and apply state and federal statutory and case law and the City Code to factual situations. The City Attorney's Office also researches legal issues, prepares ordinances and resolutions, negotiates and approves contracts, settlements, bonds, and other legal instruments and adjusting claims made against and by the City.
The City Attorney's Office prosecutes and defends all lawsuits for and on behalf of the City in State and Federal courts, as well as administrative tribunals. Among other things, lawsuits may allege negligence by City employees (e.g. automobile accidents, maintenance of city property, etc.) violations of civil rights, inverse condemnation, and unconstitutionality of City ordinances. The Office also defends challenges to zoning laws, development regulations, quasi-judicial decisions, employment actions and claims for workers compensation. The City Attorney's Office forecloses City liens and mortgages, and collects money owed to the City.
The City Attorney's Office does not represent or give legal advice to citizens. For legal representation, you should contact a private attorney, the Florida Bar (850) 561-5600 (www.flabar.org), or Three Rivers Legal Services at (352) 372-0519 (www.trls.org).
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-6:00pm, Closed on Fridays.
City Attorney's Law Links
City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances www.municode.com/Resources/ClientCode_List.asp
Gainesville Code Enforcement Board www.cityofgainesville.org/GOVERNMENT/CityDepartmentsAM/CodeEnforcement/CodeEnforcementBoard/tabid/230/Default.aspx
Gainesville Police Dept. Guide for Recipients of Notices to Appear (Municipal Code Violations)
This site is not regularly monitored. If you desire a timely response, you may contact our office in person, delivery of written communication (P.O. Box 490, Sta. 46, Gainesville, Florida 32601), or call us directly at (352) 334-5011. Thank you.