summary
Introduced
01/28/2025
01/28/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to local government code enforcement; amending s. 162.01, F.S.; revising a short title; amending s. 162.02, F.S.; revising legislative intent; amending s. 162.03, F.S.; authorizing a county or municipality to designate a special magistrate; authorizing a local governmental entity to assess administrative fees through the adoption of an alternate code enforcement system; amending s. 162.04, F.S.; defining the term "special magistrate"; amending s. 162.05, F.S.; revising the circumstances in which an enforcement board must declare an enforcement board member's office vacant; amending s. 162.06, F.S.; revising the code violation notice, correction period, and hearing process; amending s. 162.07, F.S.; authorizing an enforcement board to record an original order issued by the board in the public records of the county; amending s. 162.08, F.S.; authorizing a person designated by the local governing body to serve certain subpoenas in a specified manner; amending s. 162.09, F.S.; clarifying certain penalty provisions; requiring an enforcement board to record an original order or a certified copy of such order in the public records of the county; amending s. 162.10, F.S.; conforming a provision to a change made by the act; hb281-00 amending s. 162.12, F.S.; revising the method by which certain notices must be provided to an alleged code violator; requiring an affidavit of delivery in certain circumstances; creating s. 162.41, F.S.; defining terms; requiring a governmental entity that permits its code inspectors to wear body cameras to establish certain policies and procedures; requiring such governmental entity to ensure that certain training occurs, retain certain data in accordance with public records laws, and perform a periodic review of actual body camera practices; amending s. 784.083, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; increasing criminal penalties for certain crimes committed against a code inspector in certain circumstances; amending s. 921.0022, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill comprehensively updates Florida's local government code enforcement procedures, introducing several key changes. It modifies the existing Local Government Code Enforcement Act to provide more flexibility for counties and municipalities in handling code violations, including the option to designate special magistrates (experienced attorneys) to oversee code enforcement hearings instead of traditional enforcement boards. The bill clarifies and streamlines notice procedures for code violations, allowing for more efficient communication with property owners through various methods like certified mail, hand delivery, and posting. It also introduces new provisions regarding body cameras for code inspectors, requiring governmental entities that use such devices to establish clear policies on their use, maintenance, and data storage. Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for assaults or batteries committed against code inspectors, reclassifying certain offenses to more serious degrees. The bill aims to improve the code enforcement process by providing local governments with more tools and clearer guidelines for addressing code violations, while also protecting the rights of property owners and code enforcement personnel. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving local governments time to adapt to the new regulations.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/281 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/281/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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