Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a number of general questions frequently asked of the Code Enforcement Office.  Circumstances leading to enforcement actions vary greatly, however, so please direct specific questions about your property or case to the Code Enforcement Office at 863.834.6251.

• How do I report a violation?

  You can report it by calling 863.834.6251 or by clicking here.

• Do I have to provide my name to report a violation?

  Yes.  Effective July 1, 2021, Sec. 162.06(1)(b), Florida Statutes, has been amended to require that "A person who reports a potential violation of a code or an ordinance must provide his or her name and address to the respective local government before an enforcement proceeding may occur."  It further prohibits a code enforcement officer from initiating enforcement proceedings by way of an anonymous complaint.  As a result of this change to state law, complaints of potential code violations, whether by phone, email or through the Citizens Action Center, must include the complainant's name and address.

• What should I do if I am cited for a code violation?

  Correct the violation.  If you have questions about the violation or if you need additional time to comply, contact the Code Enforcement Officer who cited the violation.  You can find the officer's name and phone number on the violation notice, by name in the Service Directory, or click here to Find Your Officer.

• My case has been scheduled for a hearing but I am unable to attend. What should I do?

  You should communicate your inability to attend the hearing with the Code Enforcement Officer assigned to your case.  Their name and phone number can be found at the bottom of the violation notice you received, or you can look them up by name in the Service Directory.  If you do not have the violation notice you can find your officer here.  Depending on the type and severity of the violation and the specifics of your request, the Officer may agree to recommend a continuance for your case or may suggest other options.

• I got a Red Light Camera violation notice. Can the Code Enforcement Office assist me?

  Yes. The Code Enforcement Office provides administration for the City's Red Light Camera program.  This includes accepting payments, scheduling hearings for contested violations, processing payment extension requests, and placing and releasing registration holds for previously unpaid violations.  For more information, please visit Red Light Cameras or contact the Code Enforcement Office at 863.834.6251 or by email to code@lakelandgov.net.

• How do I request reconsideration of a fine?

  Fine reconsideration may be requested by contacting Finance Customer Billing at 863.834.8276 or by email, and requires completion of a Reconsideration Request Form and payment of a $50.00 filing fee.

• I have a Lakeland mailing address but do not live inside the city limits. Can Code Enforcement help me?

  No, at least not City of Lakeland Code Enforcement.  Polk County enforces its own codes and ordinances outside Lakeland's city limits in unincorporated Polk County.  They may be contacted at 863.534.6054 or on the web.  Not sure if your property or complaint is inside city limits?  Check with the City of Lakeland's Address Info Lookup.

• What is prohibited overgrowth?

  Lakeland Code of Ordinances Section 86-2  (Document under ADA review) provides that grass and weed growth in excess of one foot (12 inches) is presumed to be a public nuisance.

• What is prohibited open storage?

  Section 307.4 of the City of Lakeland Housing Code  (Document under ADA review) makes it unlawful for any person to store, except in a legally constructed fully enclosed building, auto parts, appliances, household furnishings, building rubbish, building materials (except where a valid building permit has been issued), trash, garbage, rubbish, and all other items not designed and intended to be used outdoors.

• I got cited for debris on a vacant lot. Will Solid Waste remove it if I place it curbside?

  Generally speaking, no.  Solid Waste services are provided only to locations with active Solid Waste accounts, which do not include vacant or unimproved lots.  Any junk, trash or debris on a vacant lot must be removed and disposed of properly.

• What is a derelict vehicle?

  Generally speaking, one that is visibly inoperable, in an evident state of misuse, or which lacks a current tag/registration.

• Why can't I have a car that does not run or that does not have a current tag on my property?

  Ordinance 4134, Section 1 (Document under ADA review) provides that "It shall be unlawful for any person to park, store, place or locate any disabled, dismantled, derelict, inoperative or discarded machinery, vehicles, boats, equipment or parts of any of the above...on any tract, lot or parcel of land with the City of Lakeland."

• Does Code Enforcement enforce the sign regulations?

  Yes.  While the Building Inspection Division is responsible for permitting and inspecting new and altered ground and building signs, Code Enforcement enforces the provisions of the sign regulations dealing with prohibited signs, abandoned conforming and non-conforming signs, and signs placed within the public right-of-way.

• What types of signs are prohibited?

  Signage prohibited by the sign regulations include banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, and fluttering devices designed to attract attention, portable signs, and vehicle signs.  Signs placed on public rights-of-way and public property are also prohibited.  These are only some of the signs prohibited.  Please refer specific questions to Code Enforcement.

• Does Code Enforcement investigate animal complaints?

  It depends on the issue alleged.  Complaints of barking dogs, dangerous or stray animals are investigated by the Animal Control Section of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.  Complaints of odors and prohibited animals, i.e. livestock, chickens, etc. are investigated by the City's Code Enforcement Office, and you can report this type of violation here.

• Does the City demolish unsafe structures?

  Yes.  The Code Enforcement Board has the authority to authorize demolition of unsafe structures when other efforts to bring about compliance have failed.  While infrequent, demolition is sometimes necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare.  In all cases the owner(s) receives notice and ample opportunity to correct the violation(s), either by repair and rehabilitation or by demolition themselves.  Multiple public hearings are convened at which the owner(s) has the opportunity to present testimony and evidence on their behalf.  When demolitions are authorized, though, the City must follow strict regulations for asbestos testing and abatement (if necessary), as well as additional notice requirements and finally procurement of the demolition service.  See Demolitions for additional information, including pending and completed projects.

      

• Is busking (street performance) allowed in the City of Lakeland?

  Yes, busking is permitted and no permit is required. However, amplification (via speakers, etc.) is prohibited by the noise ordinance, and the Lakeland Police Department may be called if any busking activity constitutes a nuisance for noise, panhandling, blocking sidewalks, etc.