OCALA, FL (352today.com) – At its August 18, 2026, meeting, Marion County commissioners approved a traffic enforcement agreement allowing Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods’ office to enforce traffic laws on private roads inside the gated Saddle Oak Club community in southwest Ocala.
The deal, authorized under Florida Statute 316.006(3)(b)5, covers all private or limited-access roads owned or controlled by Saddle Oak Club Homeowners Association Inc. The community is located at 6045 SW 55th Court.
The agreement does more than simply allow deputies to write tickets if they happen to be nearby. Section 2 of the agreement, titled “Duties of Sheriff,” says the sheriff “shall provide, in the area to be serviced, all law enforcement services normally provided by the sheriff within the unincorporated areas of Marion County.” The sheriff keeps sole control over which deputies are assigned and when they work. The homeowners’ association has no authority over scheduling or how laws are enforced.
The HOA can also request extra traffic enforcement at specific times by hiring off-duty deputies through the Sheriff’s Office Off-Duty Deputy Special Detail Program. County staff said records of any such paid details would be held by the sheriff’s office or the community.
The one-year agreement takes effect once all parties sign it and automatically renews each year unless either side gives at least 30 days’ written notice. County staff reported no budget impact.
Sheriff Woods and HOA representative Jennifer Burri had already signed the document before the Aug. 18, 2026 meeting.
Commissioners authorized the chairman and clerk to execute it on behalf of the county. The item was approved unanimously with no discussion.