Pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, cities and counties have broad authority to enforce building codes, safety rules, regulations, and laws related to residential, commercial, and industrial properties that protect against threats to public health, safety, and welfare. Each local government has its own set of regulations enforced and monitored by their own code enforcement agents and officers.

It is each property owner’s duty to ensure that their property is compliant with applicable county and city codes. Typical code violations include:

• Overgrown lots| Improper outdoor storage
• Illegal structures
• Noise
• Dangerous animals
• Building too close to property lines
• Illegal dumping
• Operating a business in a residential zone
• Construction without necessary building permits
• Abandoned and/or unregistered motor vehicles on the property

If after proper due process (notice of the violation and reasonable opportunity to cure), and showing of competent substantial evidence in support of the violation, a special magistrate finds that the violation was committed, cities and counties can issue large fines to the property owner and impose liens on the property. 

If you’ve been cited for violating a county or city code, we can utilize our knowledge and expertise to defend your rights, challenge the violation, negotiate a reduced fine or additional time to cure, or prevent the imposition of a lien on your property. If an investigation is ongoing and you feel overwhelmed or confused, you don’t need to face this process alone.