Code Compliance Process
A Code Officer initiates a case when:
- a violation is observed.
- a resident alerts them to a violation (by phone, email, online).
- a town staff/department initiates a case.
Complaints from identifiable sources are inspected and verified by a code officer and if a violation exists, the code officer takes further action toward obtaining voluntary compliance.
Review your notice
Once violations are verified, a Warning of Violation (WOV) notice shall be hand delivered or mailed to the property owner. The notice explains the type of violation, and specifies the number of days given for compliance. A re-inspection of the property will take place to determine if the violation has been corrected. Once the violation is rectified, the case will be closed.
Check the status of the case on the eTRAKit Web Portal.
Contact the Code Compliance Officer
We request that you keep contact with your code officer. Let him/her know if there are any issues or delays in correcting the violation(s). **INSERT DIRECTORY**
Request Additional Time:
If additional time is needed to correct the violation and you are making progress on correcting the violation. You may request additional time comply with Town code. This request is not guaranteed, certain violations cannot be delayed such as stagnant pools, overgrown grass and unsecured structures.
Process for Non-Compliance:
If corrective action is not taken to address the violation within the specified timeframe, the case will be escalated to a Uniform Civil Violation (Citation). The Citation will result in a civil penalty along with a new deadline for compliance. You have the option to correct the violation and pay the civil penalty on or before the prescribed deadline on Citation or appeal the decision of the Code Compliance Officer.
Request for Administrative Hearing:
A request for an Administrative Hearing before a Hearing Officer (Special Magistrate) may be requested to appeal the decision of the Code Compliance Officer on or before the prescribed deadline on Citation notice.
Administrative Hearing Request Form
Submit the form in person or via email to codecompliance@miamilakes-fl.gov.
Sending the form by mail may be delayed and may result in further penalties.
Special Magistrate Hearing
The Special Magistrate hearing is a quasi-judicial process in which the magistrate possesses the authority to levy daily fines and place liens on a property. Respondents, whether they are property owners or business owners, have the opportunity to present their case during the hearing. Property owners also have the option to grant written authorization to others to speak on their behalf at the hearing
Failure to pay the civil penalty and correct violation(s) or file a request for administrative hearing by the dates shown on Citation shall constitute a waiver of your right to a hearing, and such waiver shall constitute an admission of the violation(s). Each day of continued violation after the time period for correction shall be deemed a continuing violation subject to additional penalties in the same amount without the need for issuance of an additional civil violation notice. If daily fines and/or administrative costs are not paid, the Town shall place a lien on a property.