Free code violation tools
Got a letter from code enforcement? Start here. Decode the notice, check how many days you have, then dig into permits, liens, the hearing and the fix. No sign-up, nothing to download, and every tool runs in your browser, so nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
Notice decoder
What does my notice mean?
Tick the words you can see on your letter — notice of violation, compliance date, hearing, order imposing fine, lien — and get each one in plain English, where you likely are on the usual Florida timeline, and a next-steps checklist.
StartDeadline checker
How many days do I have?
Enter the date on your notice and the days to correct, or the compliance date, and get the days left, a dated plan to get it corrected in time, a printable copy and a calendar file.
StartPermit checker
Do I need a permit?
Pick the job — fence, shed, re-roof, roof repair, water heater, AC change-out, windows, garage conversion, kitchen or bath remodel, generator and more — and see whether it usually needs a permit under the Florida Building Code, why, who pulls it, and what changes in Broward and Miami-Dade.
StartFlorida Building Code lookup
Which part of the Florida Building Code covers my job?
Pick the job — re-roof, roof repair, windows, shutters, fence, shed, pool, AC, water heater, electrical, remodel, garage conversion, addition and more — and see which book of the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), governs it, the chapters and sections to look at in plain English, free links to the official text, the extra Broward and Miami-Dade sections, and whether it usually needs a permit.
StartAfter-the-fact permit checklist
How do I permit work that's already done?
A step-by-step checklist for work done without a permit: gather what exists, a licensed contractor's assessment, drawings, the application, inspections that may mean opening walls or ceilings, corrections, final inspection, then closing the code case and keeping the records. Tick as you go and print it.
StartOpen & expired permit finder
Are there open or expired permits on my property?
Pick your county and city to get the official place to look up every permit on your address, what open, expired, finaled and void usually mean, and what closing one out usually involves.
StartLien search guide
Is there a lien on my property?
Pick your county for a step-by-step search of its official records: whose names to search, which documents to look for, how a release shows up, and when a city's lien search letter helps.
StartHearing prep checklist
What do I bring to my code hearing?
Tell it where the work stands and when the hearing is, and get a checklist of what to bring — the notice, dated photos, permits, your contractor's letter and schedule, receipts — with a dated prep plan, tips for the day and a printable copy.
StartProof-of-compliance photo guide
What photos prove it's fixed?
Pick the violation on your notice and get a shot list for before, during and after the work — the wide shot with the house number, the inspector's angles, close-ups, the permit card and the final inspection — plus a printable photo card to hold in the first frame.
StartContractor license guide
Which licensed contractor fixes this?
Tick the work your notice calls for — roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, AC, pool, fence or lot clean-up — and see the Florida license that usually does it, the DBPR codes to look for, who pulls each permit, and how to check a license.
StartPool barrier checker
Does my pool barrier meet Florida's rules?
Answer yes, no or not sure about the barrier height, gaps, the gate, the house doors to the pool and the other safety options in Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, and see which items look met, not met or need checking, with the next step for each.
StartProperty upkeep checklist
What would a code officer notice at my property?
Walk your property with a checklist of what Florida code officers commonly look at — grass and weeds, debris, standing water and pools, vehicles, boats, trash carts, roof tarps, screens, paint, fences and the swale — mark each item OK or needs attention, and get what to correct, the matching violation page and a printable copy.
StartSelling with open violations or permits
What should I sort out before I list the house?
A pre-listing checklist for Florida sellers: search for open code cases, recorded liens and open or expired permits with your county's official links, get items corrected and permits finaled where you can, collect proof for buyers, and know who to ask about disclosure and closing. Tracks your progress and prints.
Start
These tools give general information about how code enforcement usually works in Florida under Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes. They are not legal advice. Your notice and the code office named on it are what count, and legal questions go to a Florida attorney.
Already know what needs fixing?
Have 360 Home Improvements look at it. 360 Home Improvements is a licensed Florida contractor, Certified Building Contractor CBC1267336.