FAQs
How do I make a complaint and have Code Compliance investigate?
Call 3-1-1. Describe the situation you observe and provide an address. It’s best to specify if the violation is more likely to occur at certain times of the day or during the week. Per state law, you must provide your name and address. The County also has a 3-1-1 mobile app on which you can report code enforcement issues.
I see signs all over the roadways. Sometimes even political signs. What is being done about this?
Orange County removes more than 100,000 signs from the right-of-way each year. A private contractor works with Orange County to pick up the prohibited signs. Most signs are allowed on private property with a permit, but not on the right-of-way.
My neighbor hasn’t cleaned their pool in months. I’m worried about the potential for insects, etc. Can the County clean this pool?
No, but the County can issue a violation notice and impose fines if the pool isn’t cleaned. Report by calling 3-1-1.
I issued a complaint via 3-1-1 days ago. Nothing on the property has changed. Why doesn’t the County do something?
This is a legal process, and compliance cases take time.
However, 80 percent of the violations come into compliance within 20 to 40 days. More than 94 percent of the properties cited by Code Compliance come into compliance within 12 months.
What is the best way to make sure Code Compliance is paying attention to our neighborhood and understands our concerns?
Form a partnership with the Neighborhood Services Division. If you have a Homeowners Association, invite the area inspector by calling 3-1-1. Once the residents and the area inspector are in communication, a relationship can be formed. Maintaining that relationship is the best way to keep clean, orderly neighborhoods.
I am a business owner. Code Compliance recently issued me a violation notice because there is no use permit for my property. What does this mean?
Every parcel of property is assigned a zoning district (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.). There must also be an established “use” for each business because a wide range of activities is allowed within each zoning district. It is important to make sure uses are compatible with neighboring properties. Depending upon the use, the County requires certain types of permits and inspections. This ensures that life-safety, drainage, and development standards are met.
Can the County do anything if my neighbor refuses to cut his grass or keeps piles of debris in his yard?
Yes. Grass growth of more than 18 inches is a violation, as is the accumulation of junk, trash and debris. If property owners refuse to clean up, the County sends out a contractor to do the work. Refusal to pay the bill for the work results in a lien that is placed on the tax rolls.
Code Compliance says junk vehicles are not allowed. What constitutes a junk vehicle?
Any of the following constitutes a junk vehicle:
Flat tires or no tires.
Overgrown grass and weeds around the vehicle.
Dismantled or wrecked.
No license plate.
A tag expired by 90 days or more.
No registration sticker displayed.
If owners do not remove or repair the vehicle in 15 days, a third-party towing contractor will remove it at the vehicle owners' expense.
I’ve been trying to get my landlord to fix a leaky pipe for weeks. So far, it’s hasn’t been fixed. Is this a code violation?
Yes. Under the International Property Maintenance Code, every structure has to be properly maintained. Call 3-1-1 and a Code Compliance Inspector will arrange a date and time to meet you on the property. The owner can be subject to fines if violations are not repaired. Code violations do not justify you to miss rent payments. To review your rights as a tenant please visit: Landlord/Tenant Law in Florida - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Legal Aid Society | Orange County Bar Association
I just found out there is a code lien against my property. How do I get the lien released?
Once the property is in compliance, the fines can be reduced and the lien (if applicable) released. Compliance is the key. Call 3-1-1, explain you are calling about a lien release, and the appropriate county staff will respond.
My neighbor has loud parties late at night. Who do I call?
The Noise Ordinance is enforced by the Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Environmental Protection Division. If the noise is coming from a residence, please call the non-emergency number at the Sheriff’s Office at 407-836-4357 and 3-1-1.
Who takes care of vehicles, trailers, or boats abandoned in the street?
Please call the non-emergency number at the Sheriff’s Office at (407)836-4357.
Does the County ban commercial vehicles?
No. There is no rule prohibiting marked work vehicles on private property. The County does, however, prohibit dual rear wheeled vehicles (pickup truck style body vehicles are exempt i.e. Ram 3500, Ford Super Duty F 350-450). If you see a vehicle with dual rear wheels in someone’s yard or driveway, be sure to report it to 3-1-1 when Code Compliance is most likely to see it (evening, weekend, etc.).
Does the County prohibit parking in the front yard on grass?
No. There is no ordinance that prohibits parking on the grass on private residentially zoned properties.
What is the role of the Code Enforcement Board and Special Magistrate?
After a Code Compliance Inspector observes a potential violation and discovers it has not been corrected a hearing will be scheduled. There are two governing boards– think of them as two different “judges” – set up under state law that take testimony and evidence and determine if a property is in violation. A property owner found in violation is given a specific period of time to correct the violation or a daily fine will be imposed until compliance is met. Fines can range up to $1,000 per day for the first offense. Failure to comply with the orders will result in another hearing to request a lien to be placed on the property. These boards will also hear foreclosure consent requests.
The County has a Special Magistrate and a Code Enforcement Board. What’s the difference?
Under state law, they both perform the same function – determine if a violation exists, and if one does, set a compliance date and a fine if the violation is not brought into compliance. The Code Board is set up to hear junk vehicle and lot cleaning appeals. The Special Magistrate will hear all other new cases.
Does the County have enforcement powers?
Every city and county in Florida operate under Florida Statute 162 (F.S. 162). Orange County adopted the super fine under F.S. 162, which allows fines of up to $1,000 per day for an initial violation and $5,000 per day for a repeat violation. Failure to comply will result in the filing of a lien against the property. Under certain serious circumstances, local governments can foreclose on the lien, taking ownership and seeking more responsible owners or uses for the property.
What does the County do about graffiti?
Call 3-1-1 and report the location. It will be painted over as soon as possible.
I think my neighbor is offering a short-term vacation rental (Airbnb, Homeaway, etc.) at their home. Is this allowed?
No, it is not allowed in residential areas in Orange County. If such activity is suspected, Code Compliance will investigate. Also, consider reporting the activity to your Homeowners Association.