The Enforcement Process

The Enforcement Process is regulated by Florida State Statute Chapter 162.

The Enforcement Process varies and may consist of:

Verbal Agreement - Generally addresses minor violations

  • An agreement between the property owner and the code officer
  • Compliance period is usually between one and three days
  • No formal written notice

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 date of compliance (deadline for correcting violation)
  • Delivered to the property owner from the code enforcement officer

Notice of Violation (NOV) - Formal written notice of violation(s)

  • Contains details of the code violation
  • Provides information on how to correct the violation
  • Provides a compliance date (typically between one and thirty days)
  • Sent certified mail through USPS

Hearing - A formal proceeding before a special magistrate addressing the code violation(s)

  • Scheduled when the cited violation(s) have not been corrected
  • Scheduled for recurring violation(s) - Property has received a previous FNOV or NOV
  • Scheduled for repeat Violation(s) - Property has previously been to a hearing

Fines - Fines begin to accrue against a property after the post hearing compliance date has passed and the violation(s) are not corrected.

Liens - Liens are filed with the Clerk of Courts against the property and all other real property under the same ownership.