A.G. Gancarski
Punitive and anonymous code complaints just became a thing of the past in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law new legislation, sponsored by Fleming Island Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley, that stops the practice.
Bradley, in a manner reminiscent of her husband who preceded her in the Senate, took charge of a controversial issue. She brokered a compromise bill (SB 60) that ameliorated concerns this was another example of Tallahassee big-footing the home rule dictum.
The Bradley product was a companion to a House version (HB 883) from Palm City Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf.
The new law’s goal, sponsors claimed throughout the process, is to make the code process more efficient by removing potentially weaponized complaints.
While the bill originally sought a blanket ban on nameless gripes, that aspirational goal was dialed back by lawmakers in the committee process.
The language now permits anonymous complaints if there is a threat of imminent destruction of natural resources or to health, welfare and safety. But short of that threshold, a name would have to be affixed to the claim.
Code enforcement also now has the latitude to investigate issues where complaints haven’t been issued, such as when they independently observe them.
The legislation could save cities and counties cold cash in the end.
The Senate Rules Committee analysis of the bill contended there may be a “reduction in complaints filed due to individuals not wanting to provide personal identifying information. Thus, this may lead to less resources being utilized by local code enforcement.”
The legislation is otherwise revenue-neutral.
The new law takes effect Thursday. It was one of numerous bills signed into law by DeSantis on Tuesday night.
6 comments
Larry Gillis, Libertarian (Cape Coral)
June 30, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Speech has consequences. Get used to it.
Larry Gillis, Libertarian (Cape Coral)
July 1, 2021 at 11:19 am
Interestingly, our beloved Supreme Court has weighed in on a related topic (CA’s forced disclosure of donors to nonprofits):
https://www.wsj.com/articles/supreme-court-strikes-down-nonprofit-donor-disclosure-rule-11625149777?mod=djemalertNEWS
Tom Palmer
June 30, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Some people are terrified by their scofflaw neighbors and don’t want to have their names associated with complaints. It will be illuminating to see whether this means more or less urban slums.
Larry Gillis, Libertarian (Cape Coral)
July 1, 2021 at 11:23 am
True, but if someone’s gonna invoke the terrible powers of Government on anyone, let them stand out in the daylight and be counted a Hero.
(or a Demon, as the case may require).harbor a profound distrust of government, even when it actually has a proper role to play in the prudential management of our lives.
Live Free or Die (NH State motto).
As you may surmise, we Libertarians
Sara sterns
July 7, 2021 at 4:45 am
This law has already jeopardized my family safety. This is one law that will absolutely change the look of Florida for the worst!!!
Sara stearns
July 7, 2021 at 4:43 am
Will not vote for Desantis after this !!! Horrible law for hard working home owners.
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