Get to Know Us: One of us It’s from the local code enforcement office, and it says a complaint has been filed against your property. You’re confused, frustrated and left wondering — “Who called code enforcement on me?
And it turns out that this is more of a common scenario than you can imagine. In Florida, code enforcement helps preserve community standards, ensures safety on properties and keeps neighborhoods organized. But getting a code enforcement notice can often be fraught, particularly if you don’t know who filed the complaint.
A Guide to Florida’s Code Enforcement System
What Is Code Enforcement?
Code enforcement is a system established to make sure that homes and businesses in a community are in compliance with local law. These rules often include zoning, building codes and upkeep of the property. For instance, violations could include:
- Overgrown grass and weeds.
- Derelict or dangerous buildings.
- Improperly parked vehicles.
- Complaints of noise or illegal dumping.
Code enforcement officers in Florida investigate complaints and monitor compliance. When a potential violation is reported, an officer visits the property. When a violation is confirmed property–owner typically receives a notice that it must correct within a certain time period.
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What Makes a Good Code Enforcement Complaint?
Literally anyone can file a code enforcement complaint — a neighbor, a passerby, even a concerned citizen. But under Florida law, people filing complaints must include their name and address. Public records retain this information, which is key to figuring out who turned you in.
Anonymity and Florida Law on Code Enforcement Complaints
The Old System
Before July 2021, however, Floridians were able to make code enforcement complaints anonymously. This enabled people to declare violations without fear of reprisals. While this system incentivized citizen activism, it also resulted in frivolous or spiteful complaints.
The New Law
That changed when Florida passed a law in July 2021, that required people who filed code enforcement complaints to provide their name and address. This means that every complaint now personally implicates an individual, and their information becomes part of the public record. The law aimed to:
Prevent false or frivolous complaints.
Make the complaint process more accountable.
Although this measure has brought a new level of transparency, it has also led to approved disagreements. Others argue that it discourages citizen involvement given that people might be reluctant to report valid violations for fear of retaliation. Others say it encourages more responsible reporting.
Impact of the New Law
There has been a marked drop in code enforcement complaints in Florida since the law went into effect. Officials say the need for personal information has made people think twice about filing unnecessary reports. However, this law gives the property owner a chance to identify who made the complaint, providing a level of clarity and accountability.
Related: HOW TO: Who Called Code Enforcement?
If you’ve received a code enforcement notice and are curious who filed the complaint, here’s how to find out:
Find the appropriate code enforcement agency
There are many code enforcement agencies throughout Florida, and they all serve different cities/counties. To find the right agency:
Find the agency information on the notice you got.
If the agency is not specified, look online for the code enforcement office in your city or county.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with Florida’s public records law
Florida has a “Sunshine Law” guaranteeing the public access to most government records, including code enforcement complaints. This law serves as your legal basis for requesting information relating to the complaint.
Step 3: File a Public Records Request
Once you know the correct agency, you have to submit a public records request. Here’s how:
Agency Contacts: Contact the code enforcement office to get information about the public records request process.
- Know Your Ask: Consider providing details, such as:
- Location of the property(s) in question.
- The date or timeframe of the complaint.
- Your contact details to follow up
Submit the Request: File your request via the agency’s official method, which may be an online system, email, or paper mail.
- Review Details of the Complaint
- The records you request in response will usually contain:
- The name and address of the complainant
- Information regarding the suspected breach.
- The notes of the code enforcement officer or findings.
Note that some information may be redacted for privacy reasons, particularly if the complainant is eligible for certain protections.
- Respond to Potential Roadblocks
- Wait times: Depending on how your Public Records requests are received they can take time, but be patient.
- Fees: A handful of agencies charge a fee to process or copy records.
- Redactions: If the complainant’s info is redacted, contact the agency for clarification.
- Possible Challenges or Caveats
Exceptions to Public Records
Florida’s public records law is broad, but it has exceptions. For example:
- Complainants who are victims of a crime will have information protected, if applicable.
- Certain sensitive personal information might be removed for privacy.
Costs and Fees
- Public records requests are not always free. Agencies may charge fees for:
- Research and retrieval time.
- Having documents printed or copied.
- Via mail or electronic delivery.
It’s smart to request an estimate of costs before you submit your request.
Resistance from Agencies
- Agencies may also deny or be slow to fulfill your records request. If this happens:
- Check Florida’s public records law to see if your request meets what is required by law.
- Follow up courteously with the agency to reiterate your rights.
- If the agency still refuses to disclose anything, you might consider getting an attorney.”
Implications and Considerations
The Impact of Knowing
Knowing who filed a code enforcement complaint can be a double-edged sword. For property owners, it clarifies the issue and gives them an opportunity to deal with it directly with the complainant. But it’s important to move through the situation with caution and respect.
Resolving Disputes
Once you know who made the complaint, you could try taking these steps:
Talk About It: Contact the complainant to address their concerns and return to resolution.
Use Mediation in a Neutral Setting: If emotions run high, consider mediation to resolve conflicts in a neutral environment.
On the other hand, where you receive a notice of violation, address the code enforcement issue so that they don’t get more complaints.
The Bigger Picture
The law, passed during 2021, has transformed the landscape of how code is enforced in Florida. While it has fostered transparency and eliminated frivolous complaints, it has shed light on the need to maintain healthy community relationships as well.
Conclusion
FLORIDA: The calling process: Code enforcement in part: In Florida, it is easy to find out who called code enforcement because of the state’s strong public records law. This guide will help you go through the process of discovering the terms of a code enforcement complaint and how to address that issue.
But this information needs to be used responsibly. (Indeed, whether you’re dealing with a real violation or addressing a misunderstanding, keeping open communication that is also respectful will go a long way towards achieving positive relationships where you live.)
Have you ever handled a Florida code enforcement issue? Comment below with your stories and let’s help create greater understanding and harmony in our neighborhoods!
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