Marco to Consider Ending Newspaper Public Notices for Many City Approvals

The City of Marco Island Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Community Room at City Hall, 51 Bald Eagle Drive, to consider an ordinance that would eliminate the requirement for many city approval notices to be published in newspapers.  

The proposal would affect notices for development plan approvals, variance requests, site plan approvals, signage permits, and other city actions, including appeals, environmental provisions, the Hideaway Beach District, certain waterfront and dock regulations, and portions of the Land Development Code. Notices required under Florida law would continue to be published. 

While the proposed change may reduce administrative costs, most Florida residents surveyed believe that publishing legal notices in local newspapers remains important for keeping residents informed and engaged in decisions that could significantly impact the community. A 2017 Florida Press Association survey found that 83 percent of Floridians believe governments should be required to publish public notices in newspapers, and 82 percent said they would not typically visit a city or county website on their own to check for such notices. (https://flpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/why-notices-should-be-in-newspapers.pdf) 

Because changes to public notice procedures can affect how residents learn about city actions, the public notice encourages community participation. Residents may speak at the Planning Board hearing or submit written comments before or during the meeting to Community Affairs Director Dan Smith at DSmith@cityofmarcoisland.com. Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for review at the City’s Growth Management Department during normal weekday business hours. 

The January 9 hearing gives residents the opportunity to review the proposed change, ask questions, and share their views before any decision is made. Those with strong opinions either for or against the ordinance are encouraged to attend the meeting or submit written input in advance.