SB 60 addressing the issue of anonymous code enforcement complaints has been signed by Governor DeSantis in Florida on June 29, 2021.
Following is a summary of the bill by the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee, along with a link to the legislation.
Code enforcement is a function of local government intended to enhance the economy and quality of life of counties and municipalities by protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Local governments designate code inspectors or code enforcement officers to investigate potential code violations, provide notice of violations, and issue citations for noncompliance. However, such officials do not possess police powers.
CS/SB 60 amends the county and municipal code enforcement statutes to prohibit county and municipal code inspectors and code enforcement officers from initiating an investigation into violations of city or county codes or ordinances based upon an anonymous complaint. It also requires that an individual making a complaint of a potential violation provide his or her name and address to the local government body before an investigation may occur.
The prohibition does not apply if the code inspector or code enforcement officer has reason to believe the alleged violation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources.
The legislation can be read in full here.