Frequently Asked Questions

A Code Enforcement Officer can either initiate a code violation action based upon their own observation or in response to a citizen complaint.

Complaints should be reported by email to the Code Enforcement Division or by calling 561-540-5790 .

Please provide your name and address when making a complaint as complaints may not be made anonymously (per Florida Statute). Please provide the correct address of the possible violation and a clear description of the problem.

Ordinance O-14-2010 established the current process for Registration of Abandoned Real Property. Visit Sec. 6-36 of the Town Code of Ordinances for more information.

To complete the registration process, please complete the registration application and return to the Code Enforcement Division at the Development Services Department along with a $100 (cash or check) application fee.

• Setting out the garbage and trash too early or on the wrong day
• Parking a vehicle in the yard
• Failing to obtain necessary town permits for construction, renovation, or garage sales
• Landscape problems, such as "hat-racking," tree trimming, or removing a protected tree
• Paper signs in business windows
• Maintaining a property below the minimum housing standards
• House numbers are not visible, too small, or not of a contrasting color to the background
• Improper display of signs (Yard Sale, Help Wanted, etc.) on the swale, trees or utility poles, etc.
• Outdoor storage in public view
• Inoperable / unregistered vehicles

When you violate the code, the Code Enforcement Officer will usually give you a verbal warning or written warning. This is to inform you of the violation and allow you some time to correct the condition. If the condition is particularly unsafe, obnoxious or life-threatening, this warning may be skipped and the Town of Lantana may require immediate compliance.

If you do not correct the violation during the allotted time, you will be issued Notice of Violation (NOV). The NOV indicates a specific number of days and will provide a suggested method to correct the problem.

The property will be re-inspected to determine if the violation has been corrected by the designated date. If it has not been corrected, the officer will issue a Citation to Appear before the special magistrate via certified mail.

The Special Magistrate sits as a judge to rule on code violation cases and meets at Town Hall once a month (typically the third Thursday of each month). The Special Magistrate's decision will usually specify how to correct the violation and declare a date by which the violation(s) must be corrected.

The Special Magistrate will also impose administrative costs and set a fine to take effect if the violation is not corrected.

Contact the Code Enforcement Division by email or call 561-540-5790.