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BlueWaveNeverEnd

(9,502 posts)
Sun Jul 14, 2024, 10:29 PM Jul 14

another law that changed under DeSantis: Anonymous complains to code enforcement aren't allowed anymore.

I wonder why rightwingers wanted this change.

No More Anonymous Code Complaints: Orange County Adjusts to New State Law


Senate Bill 60 was advanced during the 2021 Florida legislative session and recently signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. The new law, which went into effect on July 1, prohibits Code Inspectors from initiating investigations into possible code violations based on an anonymous complaint. Residents will no longer be able to hide their identity and report a code violation unless it is determined the alleged violation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or the destruction of habitat or sensitive resources.

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Previously, residents were able to voice concerns anonymously by contacting Orange County 311. This was an effective way for members of the community to report violations because they felt safer doing it without leaving a name.

In response to the new legislation, Orange County has coordinated with 311 to revise the questions asked by call takers. Residents will now be asked to provide their name and address. If a resident elects not to provide those details, but believes the violation may rise to meet the new standard, the information regarding the possible violation will be noted for the appropriate staff person to determine if it poses an imminent threat as stated in the law.

“It’s going to make it harder on residents and code inspectors,” said Megan Marshall, Chief Inspector, Code Compliance. “Residents are afraid of possible retaliation, and code inspectors must now justify that an anonymous complaint cites a code violation that represents an imminent threat.”

Marshall noted that since the beginning of July, people have been giving fictitious names and addresses when filing a complaint. The County can validate the address, but it can’t verify names from the property appraiser. Thus, a number of individuals named “John Smith” have called in anonymously lately. Apparently, quipped Marshall, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2021/11/no-more-anonymous-code-complaints-orange-county-adjusts-to-new-state-law/

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