Report a Code Violation (Unincorporated Lee County)
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We may already be investigating the issue. Search the record database by address or parcel number; look for records that begin with CPL or VIO.
Search Tip: Less is best when entering search criteria. Avoid using special characters or spaces in the parcel number, or adding the city or zip code in the address.
Use the interactive story map to view and track active nuisance accumulation violation cases. |
| View what Code Enforcement investigates below.
For issues Code Enforcement does not investigate, click
here to determine who to contact.
File a compliant online, email CodeEnforcement@leegov.com, or call 239-533-8895. When filing a complaint, you must include the address of the property in question.
If you filed a complaint, you can follow the status here. Search by record, address or parcel number. |
Important Notice
Under Florida Statute 125.69, anyone reporting a potential code violation must provide their full name and address.
- Lee County does not accept anonymous complaints and will not create a case without this required information. Your name and address may be verified through public records.
- Please be aware that Florida has a broad public records law, meaning any information you provide, including your name and address, will become part of the public record and may be disclosed upon request.
Code Enforcement Process Flow
What to Do If You Receive a Code Violation Notice
Staying proactive and communicating with your Code Enforcement Specialist is the best way to resolve issues quickly and avoid additional costs.
Review the Notice of Violation (NOV) to understand the issue and what needs to be corrected. If anything is unclear, contact the Code Enforcement Specialist listed on your notice, as they are a resource who can: -
Respond to questions about the NOV
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Provide guidance on corrective actions
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Address concerns about the follow-up process and timeline
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Addressing the violation promptly is the best way to avoid penalties. Failing to respond can lead to serious consequences, including: - Daily accumulating fines
- Property liens
- Court action, such as foreclosure
- For structures deemed unsafe by the Building Official, demolition orders
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Take action as soon as possible. Once your compliance period ends, the property will be re-inspected.
If the violation is resolved, your case will be closed. |
| If more time is required to complete the corrective actions, the Code Enforcement Specialist may be able to work with you to grant an extension, depending on the circumstances.
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Code Enforcement Hearing
If a case remains out of compliance after the Notice of Violation (NOV) deadline, it will proceed to a Code Enforcement Hearing. This formal process ensures violations are addressed according to county regulations.
The Hearing Examiner, after receiving testimony under oath, may:
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Issue orders with the force of law requiring actions necessary for compliance
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Levy fines up to:
- $1,000 for a first violation (per day) or
- $5,000 for a repeat violation (per day)
- Assess property liens if violations remain uncorrected after the timeframe specified in the Hearing Examiner’s order
Code Enforcement Hearings are typically held the first & third Mondays and Tuesdays of each month at the Lee County Public Works Building, 1500 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Myers, FL.
Click
here to view upcoming Hearing Agendas.
Lien Process
Fines imposed by the Hearing Examiner, when recorded in the public record, constitute a lien against all real and personal property of the violator. Here's what you need to know:
This means the lien attaches to all property the owner owns, and the owner will be unable to sell marketable title to any property, not just property location of the violation, without first satisfying or securing a release of the lien.
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Lien Payoff Request Form may be completed to request payoff information on fines or assessed costs resulting from Code Enforcement violation cases. Payoff amounts are only provided for existing liens of violations issued by Lee County Code Enforcement, based on the information provided on the form.
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| Assuming the violation that led to the fine has been corrected, it is possible to get the fine reduced by requesting a lien mitigation. Complete a Lien Mitigation Request Form to request the fine or assessed costs resulting from a Hearing Examiner's order be reduced.
Lien mitigation requests are only considered after the violation has been corrected.
Note: The Hearing Examiner does not have the authority to mitigate liens resulting from costs for the county to abate. (i.e. lot mowing, nuisance accumulation removal, or unsafe structure demolition and removal) |
What Lee County Code Enforcement Investigates:
- Overgrown grass / lot mowing issues
- Trash and nuisance accumulation (on private property)
- Inoperable, unlicensed, and abandoned vehicles (on private property)
- Building without permits or with expired permits
- Signs in the public right of way
- Zoning violations and unpermitted uses
- General building maintenance and unsafe structures
- Dock and shoreline issues
- Environmental issues, including:
- Non-compliance with landscaping codes, development order requirements, and/or zoning conditions
- Tree protection violations
- Sea turtle protection regulations
- Indigenous preserve and exotic vegetation removal
- Protected species management plans & monitoring reports
What We Do NOT Investigate:<Bookmark>
Please contact the responsible enforcement agency to report a violation regarding any of the issues below.
Contact Lee County Code Enforcement
Phone: 239-533-8895
Lee County Code Enforcement covers Lee County unincorporated areas. For information about the code enforcement process within one of Lee County's municipalities, please contact them directly.