Staff Reports
State Sen. Wilton Simpson has been considering legislation to protect homeowners against unwanted intrusion from local code inspectors.
The Trilby Republican had asked Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s office about the legality of “code enforcement inspectors gain(ing) access to residential properties” without prior permission.
This week, the office replied with an informal opinion that “a local code inspector is without authority to enter any private, commercial, or residential property … without the consent of the owner or the operator or occupant of such premises, or without a duly issued search or administrative inspection warrant.”
Simpson, the likely Senate president for the 2020-22 term, inquired after hearing concerns from constituents.
Rachel Perrin Rogers, his top aide, said Simpson has not yet committed to filing a specific bill but is “still very interested” in the issue as staff continues to research.
