Code Enforcement

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Mission

Our mission is to protect the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors of Manatee County by providing a fair and effective compliance assistance and enforcement program to improve compliance with State laws and County ordinances under the responsibility of the Public Safety Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES & pROGRAMS

Officers in the Code Enforcement Division cover 742 square miles of unincorporated land in Manatee County. The Division has 16 zones with one officer assigned to each zone. 
Code Enforcement is also responsible for ensuring compliance with the following ordinances:

  • Criminal Nuisance Abatement
  • Pain Management Clinic Licensing and Regulation
  • Vacant Property Registration
  • Sexually Oriented Businesses Regulation
  • Massage Therapists and Massage Establishments
  • Towing Service Establishments

ACTIVITIES

Officers conduct proactive patrols and respond to complaints of various State laws and local ordinances. In addition to conducting investigations stemming from proactive patrols and complaints, officers attend association meetings, work at County beaches, assist with County projects, and assist other regulatory agencies with issues that arise under the authority and responsibility of the Code Enforcement Division. Officers also attend Special Magistrate hearings and Notice to Appear hearings in County court.

View information about the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.

Code enforcement officers conduct public outreach and education to increase awareness of current laws and ordinances with a focus on gaining voluntary compliance. Our outreach and education efforts along with our investigative and enforcement efforts are focused on our priority to protect property values, environmentally sensitive lands, infrastructure, consumers, and the public. Some examples of the types of issues officers investigate include:

  • Unlicensed contractors
  • Overgrown yards and property maintenance issues
  • Unsafe structures and demolitions
  • Abandoned vehicles
  • Improperly parked or stored boats, campers, trailers, and other vehicles
  • Operating businesses in residential areas
  • Unpermitted signs
  • Dangerous dead trees
  • Noise disturbances (contact Manatee County Sheriff’s Office after hours)
  • Criminal Nuisance Activities nuisance including prostitution, gang-related activities, drug-related activities, in conjunction with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office