Citation Process
Supplemental Code Enforcement Procedure
Code Enforcement Officers and Animal Control Officers are authorized by Florida State Statute 162.21 to issue citations when a violation of the ordinances has occurred. The citations issued by Code Enforcement are civil in nature, not criminal. The amount of the fine will vary between $50 and $250. The amount of the fine is determined by the nature of the violation and how many times the violator has previously been cited. In some cases, a court appearance is mandatory.
If you receive a citation of any city ordinance, including parking, there are two options for you to choose from:
OPTION #1 - payment of the penalty.
If you choose to pay the civil penalty, you are admitting guilt to the violation. You can make payment either in person or through the mail to the following. Checks should be made payable to: The City of Fort Pierce. Do not send cash through the mail.
The City of Fort Pierce - Finance Department
100 N US Hwy 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
OPTION #2 - dispute the citation
If you choose to dispute the citation and related charges, please submit the Citation Dispute Form found here. Unless the matter requires a mandatory court hearing, it will be scheduled to be heard before a Special Magistrate. Their hearings are held in the Commission Chambers of City Hall on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am.
If the citation requires mandatory court, the citation will be filed with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court and they will issue notice of when the matter will be heard. Mandatory court hearings are heard by a St. Lucie County Judge.
Violation Classification | First Offense | Second Offense | Third & Subsequent |
---|---|---|---|
Class I | $50.00 | $100.00 | Court Hearing Mandatory |
Class II | $100.00 | $200.00 | Court Hearing Mandatory |
Class III | $250.00 | Court Hearing Mandatory | Court Hearing Mandatory |
Chapter or Section | Description | Class |
---|---|---|
In general | Any violation not listed specifically below | I |
Sec. 16-82 | Sea Turtle lighting | II |
Ch. 22 | Business tax receipts | II |
Sec. 26-2 | Storage of scraps and waste | II |
Sec. 26-3 | Storage of commodity in vehicle | II |
Ch. 117 | Signs | II |
Sec. 30-25 | Littering / dumping prohibited | II |
Sec. 30-30 | Bulk trash removal | II |
Sec. 24-19 | Nuisances on property- not otherwise specified | III |
Sec. 119-8 | Maintenance of storm water facilities | III |
Sec. 36-411 | Storm water discharges prohibited | III |
Ch. 125 | Zoning violations- not otherwise specified | II |
Sec. 125-315 | Commercial Vehicle | III |
Sec. 125-240 | Compliance with cond. of approval | III |