Complaint Investigation Procedure FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions on our complaint investigation procedures that should help you better understand how we resolve environmental complaints.

  • 1. How do I report an environmental complaint?

    The fastest way to alert the County to problems is to contact our Citizen's Action Center (CAC) by phone at 941-748-4501. The CAC staff have access to a large library of contact points and reference materials to facilitate rapid responses to citizen inquiries. They can also simultanously alert multiple departments regarding a citizen inquiry or complaint, which is particularly useful for environmental issues.

     

    We have provided an online complaint reporting form in this section that is sent directly to this department. You may also report environmental concerns to the Natural Resources Department, Environmental Protection Divison office by phone at 941-742-5980.

  • 2. What information do we need before we can investigate a complaint?

    We need a description of your concern, the date and time that you observed the problem, and where it occurred. Please give us a street address near the problem location, if possible. If you want us to call you back with the findings of our investigation, please leave us your name and contact information.

  • 3. How long does it take to start an investigation?

    Complaint investigations are interleaved with other field investigations. We cannot offer immediate response in all circumstances.

  • 4. How long does it take to resolve a complaint?

    It depends upon the complexity of the issue and whether we have to get other Departments or Agencies involved. Any official notifications of non-compliance must be made by registered mail, which adds several days to the process. In most situations where we can quickly identify and meet with the responsible party we can resolve the issue quickly.

  • 5. Who do we contact regarding air quality issues?

    The Natural Resources Deparment monitors ambient air quality in the County but is not staffed or equipped to respond to air quality complaints. If you have a complaint regarding open burning, please contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry office at: 941-751-7629. If you have a general air quality complaint, please contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Southwest District office in Tampa. Their phone number is: 813-632-7600.