MEET THE SHERIFF

Sheriff Billy Woods

Sheriff Billy Woods, a native of Marion County, has dedicated his career to the service and protection of his community. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration/Business Management from Columbia Southern University and has completed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Executive Senior Leadership Program, where he served as Class President of the Leadership of Ocala/Marion Class XXVII.

Sheriff Woods is actively involved in several organizations and has recently been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a commissioner of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. He currently holds the positions of President of the Florida Sheriff’s Deputy Association, Treasurer of the Florida Sheriffs Association, and Board Member of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. He was also appointed by Governor DeSantis to the Emergency Communications Board, where he now serves as Vice President. Additionally, he serves as Chair of the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and is a past Chair of Marion Senior Services. Sheriff Woods is also a past President of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Associates (FCJEIA) and a current Board Member of the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority.

During his time in office, Sheriff Woods launched a crime-fighting initiative in Marion County schools, introducing two German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) to the SRO Division as the county's first firearms-detection police canines. These GSPs conduct random visits to schools and extracurricular events to help deter potential gun violence. In 2024, Sheriff Woods expanded the K-9 Unit with the addition of two yellow Labrador Retrievers—made possible by generous donors—tasked with enhancing security within the Marion County Jail. Since then, two additional GSPs have also been assigned to the jail, and a third GSP has been added to enhance security at the courthouse. He has also reestablished a mounted unit, further strengthening the county's law enforcement capabilities.

Since taking office in 2016, Sheriff Woods has overseen significant population growth in Marion County, from 347,958 to an estimated 428,905 residents. His leadership continues to shape and strengthen the safety and well-being of the community.