About the OPPORTUNITY
City of Orlando 2025 Poet Laureate
Application Window: April 27, 2025 - June 30, 2025
Orlando Poet Laureate 4-Year Term: October 2025 - October 2029
Purpose: The purpose of the Orlando Poet Laureate position is to promote poetry and appreciation of poetry among the general public and to inspire an emerging generation of literary artists and readers of literature. The Orlando Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for the City of Orlando and the greater Central Florida community, fostering public appreciation of and participation in poetry and literary arts. The Poet Laureate will reflect the spirit of the community by promoting literary education in our schools and communities, and by sharing poetry with the people of Orlando.
Nominee Eligibility:
- Be a documented resident of Central Florida (Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County) for at least one year and must reside in Central Florida for at least six months of each year
- Have ties to the City of Orlando and a strong interest in serving the city
- Show evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, including substantial publications (books, literary magazines, and/or digital media)
- Have received significant recognition or awards
- Demonstrate excellence in promoting awareness or enjoyment of poetry
- Understand and embrace Orlando's varied cultures and history
- Have documented experience in public speaking, teaching, and/or public performance
- Be at least 21 years of age and not currently enrolled in an undergraduate academic program
- Be able and willing to conduct a minimum of 6 in person public engagement duties of the Poet Laureate
- Be willing to sign a Letter of Agreement with the City specifying terms.
Past Poet Laureates are not eligible for additional years after the end of their term of service.
Selection Process: Mayor Buddy Dyer has appointed the Poet Laureate Search Committee, a group of diverse poets, scholars, and literary experts, to assist in the selection process. United Arts of Central Florida will convene and facilitate the selection process. This Committee includes representatives from the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, Rollins College, Seminole State College, Orange County Library System, Burrow Press, Florida Humanities Council, and accomplished local poets, with United Arts CEO serving as an Ex-Officio member.
- Panel Date: August 2025
- Panel Location: To be determined
- The Mayor will announce the City of Orlando's Third Poet Laureate in October 2025 during National Arts and Humanities Month
Terms and Compensation:
- The Poet Laureate serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, is appointed for a term of one year, with annual renewals by the Mayor for a total of up to four years based on the City of Orlando's evaluation
- The Poet Laureate will receive an honorarium of $4,000 per year for up to a four-year term, plus reimbursement for approved (related) expenses
- The annual stipend honors the Poet's achievements and helps to defray expenses not reimbursed by individual organizations where the Poet Laureate is a guest. The Poet Laureate is permitted to accept honoraria or remuneration from host organizations during the term of service with the City's prior approval
- The Poet Laureate reserves the right to any compensation from their poetry during their term. However, the City of Orlando may publish and/or distribute such poetry without charge to the city, expect covering costs
- The Poet Laureate will sign a Letter of Agreement with the City specifying terms
For Functions and Duties of the Orlando Poet Laureate, please see the Guidelines document in the Documents section.
