Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I report a Code Violation?
If you believe there is a code violation anywhere in the City, you may report the violation by calling 311 or (305) 416-2087 or emailing: [email protected] to report 1) a brief description of the violation; and 2) the property address and 3) complainant's name and address (per FS 125.69).
I have received a Code Violation. What should I do now?
Please review the Notice you received and take action to correct the issue. If you have questions about what is required to achieve compliance, contact the Code Compliance inspector who issued the violation for more information. The inspector’s name, email address, and direct line is listed on the notice you received. There is also a directory of Code Compliance Inspectors’ direct lines on this webpage.
I need more time to correct the violation. What should I do?
If you are making a good faith efforts to bring your violation(s) into compliance but need more time to achieve full compliance, please contact the Code Compliance inspector who issued the violation via email or via telephone to describe your efforts, update the inspector on progress to date, and request more time.
I reported a Code Compliance violation and would like a status update.
Please contact the Code Compliance inspector or Supervisor for the area or call our general Departmental line (305) 416-2087.
I would like to report a violation, but am not sure the correct Department or entity responsible.
The City of Miami has inspector assets across City Departments, and works with County, State, and Federal agencies as well. Below is a brief description of each entity’s purview and how to report a suspected violation.
Building Department:
The Building Department has electrical, mechanical, plumbing, elevator, unsafe structures, and structural divisions with specially-trained inspectors. Building inspectors may issue a stop-work order on an ongoing construction project, and the Unsafe Structures division of the Building Department may bring properties deemed unsafe before the Unsafe Structures Panel for adjudication, and potential demolition. To report a Building Code Violations, please contact 311, or (305) 468-5900, or [email protected].
Fire Department:
The Department of Fire rescue inspects applicable structures and businesses to assure compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code. This includes inspection of buildings, equipment, systems, and other fire and related life-safety situations. This does not include one-family and two-family dwellings per Florida Statute. In the event a business or structure is found out of compliance with applicable codes by a fire inspector, they will take appropriate action to include issuing a Notice of Violation. To report a potential fire code/life safety concern, please contact (305) 416-1600, or (305) 416-1644, or (305) 416-1722, or [email protected].
Public Works:
Public Works is responsible for City trolleys, trees in the public right-of-way, maintenance of traffic-calming circles, 1100 linear miles of sidewalks, storm-water drains, street-lighting, utility pole permitting, contractors working on the roads, potholes, right-of-way permitting, public rights-of-way, non-temporary fences along the public-right-of-way, roadways, and permits and construction on the same. To report a suspected violation to the Public Works Department, please contact 311, (305) 468-5900, or via email: [email protected].
Solid Waste Department:
The Department of Solid Waste has inspectors dedicated to enforcing solid waste-related violations. In particular, solid waste inspectors may issue tickets for civil infractions such as, improper waste placement, failure to have a required waste hauler, illegal dumping, etc. Solid Waste inspectors also work closely with property owners and architects on new construction to assure that proper facilities are provided for waste disposal in accordance with sanitation ordinances. To report a littered area/solid waste issue, dial 311, or call our Sanitation Code Enforcement Section at (305) 960-2830, or [email protected].
Police Department:
The Police Department is responsible for addressing criminal violations. Our Police Department does not have inspectors, but works closely with inspectors from other departments within our City to ensure lawful behavior. For example, Police are empowered to address crimes such as vandalism, including graffiti, illegal dumping, prostitution, gang activity, and other crimes that negatively impact health and safety, and denigrate quality of life in our community. To report an emergency, please contact 911, To report a non-emergency please contact (305) 579-6111.
Overview of the Code Compliance Process:
Step One: Receiving a Complaint or Observing a Code Compliance Violation
Code Compliance inspectors receive complaints through a variety of sources, including in-person, via 311, email ([email protected]), phone (305) 416-2087, or from other Departments. Inspectors also proactively address violations in their assigned geographic area. Per FS 125.69, the acceptance of anonymous complaints is prohibited.
Step Two: Investigation
An inspector must personally investigate the property in question. Inspectors use a variety of resources to evaluate compliance, including tax cards, permit history, covenants, and surveys, etc. If an inspector finds evidence of a violation, they must document their findings via body worn camera (BOC) and a written account; and open a case.
Step Three: Providing Notice
If a Code Compliance violation has been found, the Code Compliance inspector must post a Notice of Violation on the property, and send notice of the violation via Certified Mail. The property owner is given a reasonable amount of time (generally 30 days) to bring the property into compliance or contact the inspector to request more time to bring the property into compliance.
Step Four: Preparing a Case
An inspector must compile all relevant evidence in preparation for the evaluation of “legal sufficiency” by his/her supervisor and the Assistant City Attorney assigned to represent the City in Code Compliance cases. “Legal sufficiency” means that the inspector has compiled enough evidence to establish that a violation exists, including evidence that proper notice has been given to the owner.
Step Five: Requesting a Hearing
Anyone receiving a Code Compliance violation is entitled to be heard by an independent, quasi-judicial body. In the City of Miami, the Code Enforcement Board adjudicates Code Compliance violations. A property owner with a Notice of Violation may be summoned to appear to the Code Enforcement Board Hearing.
Step Six: Adjudication
In the City of Miami, the Code Enforcement Board is the independent, quasi-judicial body empowered to adjudicate Code violations for the Department of Code Compliance. The Code Enforcement Board is made up of volunteers appointed by the City Commissioners. Tickets are adjudicated by Special Magistrates.
Step Seven: Mitigation or Lien Collection
A property owner may request a hearing before the Code Enforcement Board to mitigate their fines once they have obtained an affidavit of compliance. The Code Enforcement Board is the only entity in the City empowered to mitigate a fine amount. After adjudication, the City Attorney’s Office may seek foreclosure on a lien, a money judgment, or injunctive relief.