The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting, and permitting requirements of the City of Ocala and the State of Florida, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits, and many other local ordinances and State Statutes.

The division works closely with the public, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, State Attorney's Office, local and state police agencies, as well as the Division of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Department of Agriculture, and other state and local agencies in the enforcement of laws.

When there is a violation of a local ordinance, and the property owner is not a “Repeat Violator,” Code Enforcement Officer’s may either attempt personal contact, or mail a Courtesy Letter granting a reasonable time to correct a violation.

If the violation is not resolved by the date granted in the Courtesy Letter, and no arrangements have been made with the responsible party, a Notice of Violation & Public Hearing will be mailed via certified mail to the property owner, and/or violator(s). This notice contains a compliance date, and a Public Hearing date. If the compliance date is not met, the case will proceed to the Public Hearing date listed in the notice.

A Repeat Violator is defined in Florida Statute 162.4(5) as “A violation of a provision of a code or ordinance by a person who has been previously found through a code enforcement board or any other quasi-judicial or judicial process, to have violated or who has admitted violating the same provision within 5 years prior to the violation, notwithstanding the violations occur at different location.” If a Code Enforcement Officer determines the violator to be a Repeat Violator, no Courtesy Letter is mailed, a Notice of Violation & Public Hearing is mailed via certified mail, and the case proceeds to the Public Hearing listed within the notice.

If the violator is found guilty, the Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate can assess a fine of up to $250 per day per violation or $500 per day per violation for a repeat violator. A lien is placed on all real and personal property and can be foreclosed on in three months. This usually insures compliance of the violation.