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Code Enforcement
Overview
Sumter County Code Enforcement serves the unincorporated areas, Center Hill, Coleman, and Webster. Sumter County Code Enforcement serves the City of Wildwood with building without a permit and unsafe structures.
Sumter County Code Enforcement inspects complaints regarding: trash and debris, herbaceous overgrowth, non-permitted residential uses, inoperable vehicles, building without a permit, business operations in residential areas, unsafe structures, and excessive animals in residential areas.
Code Enforcement Process
| Steps | Action | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | The Code Enforcement Process starts with a code enforcement complaint | |
| Step 2 | Initial Inspection | |
| Step 3 | Courtesy Notice of Violation (CNV) Mailed | |
| Step 4 | Schedule CNV Inspection | Within 2 weeks of CNV Mailing |
| Step 5 | Issue Notice of Violation (NOV) | |
| Step 6 | Schedule NOV Inspection | Within 2 weeks of NOV Mailing |
| Step 7 | Schedule for Special Master Hearing | |
| Step 8 | Prepare Request for Hearing, Notice of Hearing, Proof of Notice, and Notice Plaque. Mail Notice. | Must be post-marked 30 days prior to hearing |
| Step 9 | Schedule Inspections for Posting Hearing Info and Pre-Hearing Photos | 10 days prior to the hearing |
| Step 10 | Special Master Hearing | |
| Step 11 | Prepare and mail Special Master's Final Orders and Schedule Hearing Inspection for Compliance | |
| Step 12 | Hearing Inspection | |
| Step 13 | Issue Affidavit of Non-Compliance/Compliance | |
| Step 14 | Schedule Lien Inspection | 21 days after Affidavit of Non-Compliance |
| Step 15 | Schedule Foreclosure Inspection | Non-homesteaded property, 90 days after lien recorded |
- Can I remain anonymous when filing a complaint?
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No, per Florida statute 162.06(b), a name and address must be provided.
- Who is a code complaint filed against?
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The property owner is responsible for complying with the codes; therefore, a complaint is filed against the property owner.
- Who do I contact about septic problems?
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The Health Department handles septic problems.You can visit their website at http://sumter.floridahealth.gov/
- How can I check on the status of my Code Enforcement complaint?
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Contact Administration for a records request at records@sumtercountyfl.gov.
- How do I file a noise complaint?
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Noise complaints are handled by the Sheriff's Office. You can visit their website at https://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/
- What constitutes an inoperable vehicle?
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The vehicle is not drivable and does not have a current registration.
- Can I live in an RV?
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Only temporarily with a temporary use permit while building a permitted home.
- What happens at a code enforcement hearing?
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The case is heard by the Special Master to confirm the case findings. If the enforcement charges are confirmed, the Special master issues an order to resolve the charges within a given timeline or fines will be assessed.
- What is a Special Master?
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The Special Master is an attorney that functions as a judge to hear evidence of the charges for a code enforcement case and issues orders.
- What happens if the violation is not resolved?
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Fines are levied and if not resolved, a lien is placed on the property. For Non-homestead properties, foreclosure proceedings may follow.