Code Enforcement Officers are empowered under section 162, Florida Statutes to issue Uniform Code Citations to violators. These citations, while requiring the defendant to appear in County Court, are classified as civil infractions, not criminal, and begin at $100 for the first offense.
Prior to issuing a citation, a Code Enforcement Officer shall provide notice to the person that the person has committed a violation of a code or ordinance and shall establish a reasonable time period within which the person must correct the violation.
Cases of code violation appeals are heard by a Special Magistrate.
Any person who willfully refuses to sign and accept a citation issued by a Code Enforcement Officer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Section 775.083, Florida Statutes.