How to Prepare for a Hearing

Upon receiving a Summons to Appear, contact your Code Compliance Officer to inquire about how to come into compliance with the violation.

Per Section 7-16, Violator means a person or entity responsible for a violation of the code. The current owner of the property is responsible for the violation in addition to any other party who has possession of the property or who may have actually caused the violation, even if a prior owner or an unknown third party caused the violation. The special magistrate may find the landlord as well as the tenant responsible for a violation. A condominium association shall be responsible for any violation affecting the common elements of the condominium in addition to any other party who may have actually caused the violation.

Any person who is not a violator as defined above, but wishes to testify in lieu of the alleged violator of a property, must obtain a notarized power of attorney or notarized affidavit prior to attending any Code Enforcement proceedings on the property

Florida Limited Power of Attorney

To submit evidence for an in-person hearing, the respondent must bring all evidence in person on the day of the hearing.

Provide photos with date stamp and time showing compliance, and provide copies of permits and other documents supporting your case.

Examples

• Pictures of painted property
• Copy of issued permit
• Documentation from your insurance company

Please submit a notarized Power of Attorney if you are presenting on behalf of the property owner. Power of Attorney can be obtained from an attorney.

Consult with your area's Code Compliance Officer for steps to bring listed violations into compliance.

Make contact with your Code Compliance officer so that they may re-inspect the property, take photos, and close the case.

If you are actively working towards compliance but need an extension, reach out to the Code Compliance Inspector assigned to your case. Provide an update on your progress and request additional time if necessary.

For an update on a complaint you submitted, contact the Code Compliance Inspector assigned to the area or call our main office at 305-224-5580.

You should contact your assigned Code Officer for guidance. View the directory of Code Officers.

If you believe a property in the City is in violation of the code, you can report it by calling 305-224-5580 or emailing Code Compliance. Please include the following details:

• A brief description of the issue
• The property address
• Your name and address (as required by Florida Statute 125.69)

View the City’s Code of Ordinances online.

Yes, property owners must maintain the public right-of-way adjacent to their property.

Yes, under Chapter 32-7, a permit is needed for painting the exterior of a property within the City of Homestead.

Residents are allowed to place up to 10 cubic yards of bulk waste for pickup.

To estimate the size of your bulk pile, multiply the length × width × depth, then divide by 27 to convert it into cubic yards.

• Contact our Animal Control Officer at 305-224-5584 or email Code Compliance.
• For requests after 3 pm on weekdays or on weekends, please contact Miami-Dade Animal Services by dialing 311.