Recently I reci
eved a certified letter from Duval County Environmental & Compliance Department Municipal Code Compliance Division. The complaint/violation was stated as "Violated the zero tolerance for litter law by placing sign in public right of way".
I had placed the sign well within the property line. Puzzled I was, so the next step was to contact the issuer of the violation. They take a picture when they cite, and so I recieved the requested photo via email from them. Turns out that the seller's lawn person moved the sign closer to the street than was originally placed. So, I am still liable. I paid the fine. Avoided the $500 late fee and a misdemeanor charge. Yes, a misdemeanor charge.
Here are some pointers:
*1st time offense $55.00 and goes up with each additional offense.
*Failure to sign the citation and pay the fine within 10 calender days from the date of the letter (that was snail mailed to you) will result in a misdemeanor and an additional $500 fine. In other words, don't be on vacation when this happens. Your vacation will cost you an extra $500.
*I was told by one of their reps over the phone, that to determine who to cite, measure from the center line of the street or middle of the road back to the property. If your sign is located within the 30 feet, you are subject to receiving a fine.
*When placing sign on property at listing appointment: Take a picture of your sign with a reference point. I don't know if a camera would pick up a GPS location that accurate to assist with this but if it did, that would be of great benefit.
*Have a listing addendum ready to inform the seller of Duval County sign regulations.
**Reference Chapter 741 Jacksonville Municipal Code and Chapter 162 Florida Statutes
Please share your experiences with me as it relates to Real Estate signs and code violations.
Comments(2)