Code Enforcement FAQs

To help inform Highlands County residents, Code Enforcement is providing answers to some commonly asked questions.

Three of the most common code violations:

  • High grass and weeds: Anything over 18 inches is a violation. The County does not enforce high grass and weeds on vacant properties.
  • Unlicensed or inoperable vehicles on residential properties: Any partially dismantled, non-operating, wrecked, junked, discarded or unlicensed vehicle or vessel cannot be kept on any residential property.
  • Garbage disposal: All garbage and trash must be put in the provided blue and green carts. Garbage containers must be kept in a secure and sanitary manner and must be placed 4 feet apart when placed curbside for pickup.

If you buy a property that has an open code violation, then you as the new property owner become responsible for correcting that code violation and bringing the property into compliance.

You should talk to your realtor and ask them to help you find out if there are any open code violations or liens on the property that need to be taken care of before you close on the property.

If a warning citation is issued, the Code official will inform you of what codes are in violation, how to remedy it, and a date to comply by. Communication is key at this point; if you have questions concerning a warning citation, please contact the Code Enforcement office at 863-402-6641. We are here to educate you, and help you achieve compliance. No fine is issued at this level of a warning citation.

If the violations from the warning citation are not corrected upon reinspection after the date given to comply on the warning citation, then at that time, the official will issue fines for each code that is still in violation. These fines are predetermined by the Highlands County Code of Ordinances. At this time, you will have 30 days to pay the fine and typically an additional 30 days to comply the violations. If action is not taken, or the fine goes unpaid, then the case will be reviewed by the Special Magistrate, where daily fines and interest can be assessed.

Code Enforcement can also issue a Notice of Violation and schedule the case to be heard at a public hearing. If you receive this type of notice, it is important to understand that in lieu of up-front fines, Code Enforcement will present the case, and recommend to the Special Magistrate that the County be allowed to abate the property. If abatement happens, the County, if granted an order, will abate the property of the nuisance, assess fees, fines, court fees, and administrative costs, which constitutes a lien that attaches not only to the property in violation, but can also attach to all real and personal property owned by the respondent.

It is very important, if any notice is received and you are not clear on how to correct the violation, to please contact the Code Enforcement office. Communication is key to understanding all circumstances, and to work together to achieve compliance, and avoid fines and liens.

The only signs allowed on County rights-of-way are official regulatory signs. All others are considered trash and may be removed and disposed of by a code enforcement officer. Make sure any signs meet the requirements for your zoning district and are within the property boundary. To find out what your zoning requirements are for signs, call 863-402-6638.

All motor vehicles must be up to date with registration tags and operational. To get those, visit https://www.hctaxcollector.com for more information.

When it comes to residential properties, a car cover over a non-operating, unregistered vehicle with a tarp will not meet the code of ordinance.  

You can store these items in an enclosed structure, like a garage (three walls and a door), not a carport.

If you are zoned for commercial use, then other regulations may apply.

We receive a lot of complaints about semi-truck drivers bringing their commercial vehicles home, and parking either on their property or in the County right-of-way. It is not permitted to park/store semi-trucks or trailers in residential zoning districts. Commercial truck owners should find parking in a commercial zoning district that allows for the parking of these large commercial vehicles. 

One boat 18 feet or less and no more than six feet in average height is allowed.

If you buy a shed or detached structure for your property, you must get a permit from the Highlands County Building division. To get a permit, you have three options:

It is important to understand that if you are purchasing a shed that a permit is required. Some shed companies have stated that it is not required, which is false. Obtain a permit when placing a shed on your property. Also know, it is prohibited to use a shed as a structure for living purposes. 

All buildings in the County must have its assigned address number properly displayed, whether mail is delivered to the building or not, in a contrasting color. The posting of the address number is the responsibility of both the owner and occupant of the building and must comply with Section 6 of the Highlands County Technical Standards Manual, as follows:

  • The address number must be a weather-resistant material permanently affixed to the front of the building and on the mailbox, post, wall or fence, so that it is visible and legible from the public or private street on which the building fronts. This is so first responders can locate the building.
  • All residences must have four-inch numbers. 
  • All multi-family, commercial and office developments must have six-inch numbers. 
  • Each individual business within a complex, like a shopping mall, shopping center or industrial center, must have their unit number displayed on the front door or adjacent to the door and the unit number must be six inches.

For more information, contact the Engineering department at 863-402-6877.