Code Compliance

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. The County also has a 3-1-1 mobile app on which you can report code enforcement issues.

Call 3-1-1 and report the location. It will be painted over as soon as possible.

No, it is not allowed in most residential areas in Orange County. If such activity is suspected, Code Enforcement will investigate. Also, consider reporting the activity to your homeowners association.

Orange County removes more than 100,000 signs from the right-of-way each year. A private contractor, along with Code Enforcement Officers, is currently helping pick up the nuisance signs. Political signs are allowed on private property, but not on the right-of-way. They are only allowed on private property 90 days prior to and 10 days after an election.

No, but the County can issue a violation notice and impose fines. Report by calling 3-1-1.

Code Enforcement is a legal process. Properties are alleged to be in violation. Property owners must be given adequate time to correct the violation. So it is not uncommon for it to take three to six weeks to obtain compliance. However, 80 percent of the violations come into compliance within 20 to 40 days. More than 94 percent of the properties cited by Code Enforcement within a 12-month period come into compliance.

Form a partnership with the Code Enforcement Division. If you have a homeowners association, invite the area officer by calling 3-1-1. Once the residents and the area officer are in communication, a relationship can be formed. Maintaining that relationship is the best way to keep clean, orderly neighborhoods.

Every parcel of property is assigned a zoning district (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.). There must also be an established “use” for each parcel 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 might require certain types of permits and inspections. This ensures that life-safety, drainage and development standards are met.

Grass growth of more than 18 inches is a violation. So 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.

Flat tires, undergrowth, dismantled, wrecked, no license plate, expired tag or registration. If owners do not remove or repair the vehicle in 15 days, the County contractor will tow it away.

Yes. Under the County Property Maintenance Code, every structure has to be properly maintained. Every building’s roof must be free of leaks, have no faulty wiring, no cracks in walls, etc. The owner can be subject to fines if violations are not repaired.

Code Enforcement has a process. 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.

The Noise Ordinance is enforced by the Sheriff’s Office. Please call the non-emergency number at the Sheriff’s Office at 407-836-4357.

Please call the non-emergency number at the Sheriff’s Office at 407-836-4357.

No. For example, there is no rule that says someone can’t park a work van on his/her property. The County does, however, prohibit dual rear-wheeled vehicles. If you see a big truck, be sure to report it to 3-1-1 when Code Enforcement is most likely to see it (evening, weekend, etc.).

No. There is no ordinance that prohibits parking on the grass/front yard.

After a Code Enforcement Officer observes a violation and discovers it has not been corrected, a hearing is 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 fine starts accumulating for every day the violation exists. Fines can range up to $1,000 per day. Liens are filed against the property as well.

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. Due to the volume of work Orange County established a Special Magistrate in 2004. Cases are assigned to the boards based on the region of the County where the property violations exist (east, central, west).

Every city and county in Florida is bound by the same law, 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 filing of liens against the property. Under certain serious circumstances, local governments can foreclose on the liens, taking ownership and seeking more responsible owners or uses for the property.