Assistance with Code Violations
We have extensive experience helping property owners understand code violations and determine a practical path toward compliance. Some violations can be corrected relatively simply; others may require substantial restoration, reconstruction, mitigation, or re-establishment of affected structure or habitat.
The Enforcement Process is regulated by Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, and may also be subject to applicable local ordinances and procedures.
The enforcement process varies by jurisdiction and circumstances and may include:
Verbal Agreement – May be used for minor violations
- Informal agreement between the property owner and the code enforcement officer
- The officer documents the agreement and the condition of the property
- The compliance period is usually one to three days
- No formal written notice
- If the violation is not corrected, enforcement may escalate more quickly and more formally
Field Notice of Violation (FNOV) – Formal written notice of violation(s)
- Explains the details of the code violation(s)
- Provides information on how to correct the violation(s)
- Specifies the compliance deadline
- Issued to the property owner by the code enforcement officer
Notice of Violation (NOV) – Formal written notice of violation(s)
- Contains details of the code violation(s)
- Provides information on how to correct the violation(s)
- Specifies the compliance deadline, typically between one and thirty days
- Sent to the property owner by certified mail
Hearing – A formal proceeding before a special magistrate or code enforcement board addressing the code violation(s)
- May be scheduled when cited violation(s) have not been corrected
- May be scheduled for recurring or repeat violation(s)
- May proceed even if certain violations are corrected before the hearing
- May result in an order establishing compliance requirements, deadlines, costs, or fines; recorded orders may result in liens and other enforcement actions, including possible foreclosure or levy
Fines – Fines may begin to accrue after the compliance deadline established by the order has passed and the violation(s) remain uncorrected.
Liens – A certified copy of an order imposing fines or repair costs may be recorded in the public records and become a lien against the property where the violation exists and other real or personal property owned by the violator.