What do I bring to my code hearing?
Got a notice of hearing? Tell this checklist where the work stands and when the hearing is. You get what to bring, a dated plan to gather it, tips for the day and a copy to print. It runs in your browser, and nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Florida · general information, not legal advice
From the notice of hearing.
Printed on the notice.
The address and room on the notice of hearing.
Shows the official online case lookups we list.
Your answers and ticks are kept in this browser on this device, so you can come back to the list while you gather things. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Choose where the work stands, and your checklist, a dated prep plan and tips for the day appear here.
How this works
Under Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, a code case that isn't corrected by the date on the notice can be set for a hearing before a code enforcement board or a special magistrate. Hearings are open to the public. Testimony is taken under oath from the code inspector and from the person cited, formal rules of evidence don't apply, and the board or magistrate decides whether a violation exists and issues an order, which can set a date to comply.
The checklist changes with where the work stands. Finished work calls for proof that it's done, such as the final inspection and dated after photos. Work under way or not yet started calls for the contractor's estimate, letter and schedule. With a hearing date, the steps are spread across the days you have, and your ticks stay in this browser so you can gather things over several days.
It runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent anywhere. It is general information about how code enforcement usually works in Florida, not legal advice. Your notice, your city or county’s code and the code office named on the notice are what count. For legal questions, talk to a Florida attorney.
Questions people ask
- What should I bring to a code enforcement hearing in Florida?
- The notice of violation and the notice of hearing, dated photos of the property as it is now and of any work done, permits or permit applications and inspection results, receipts, and your contractor's written estimate, schedule or letter saying what is being done. Bring copies: one set to hand over and one to keep.
- What happens at a code enforcement hearing?
- Under Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, a code enforcement board or special magistrate hears the case. Hearings are open to the public, testimony is under oath and recorded, and they hear from the code inspector and from the person cited, usually the owner. Formal rules of evidence don't apply. They decide whether a violation exists and issue an order, which can set a date to comply.
- I fixed the violation. Do I still need to go to the hearing?
- Plan to. Under Chapter 162, a case can still be presented at the hearing even if the violation was corrected before it, when it wasn't corrected by the time the inspector gave. Ask the inspector to re-inspect before the hearing, bring your proof of the work, and attend unless the code office tells you in writing that your case is off the agenda.
- Can the hearing be moved, or can I get more time?
- Ask the code office named on the notice, before the hearing, how to request a new date or more time, where your notice allows it. The decision is theirs, and nothing here can promise it. A contractor's written schedule and a permit application on file can help show the work is under way. Get any answer in writing.
- Can I bring a lawyer to a code enforcement hearing?
- Local hearing rules in Florida commonly let the person cited bring a Florida attorney, and some ask for written notice before the hearing, so check the procedure with the code office named on your notice. For legal questions about the notice, an order, a fine or a lien, a Florida attorney is the person to ask. This checklist is general information, not legal advice.
- Is anything I enter saved or sent anywhere?
- Nothing is sent anywhere. Your answers and ticks are kept in this browser on your own device, so you can come back to the list while you gather things, and the Clear everything button removes them.
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Have 360 Home Improvements look at it
360 Home Improvements is a licensed Florida contractor: Florida Certified Building Contractor CBC1267336 · Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1335340. Tell us what the notice says and request a free estimate for the work it calls for.