Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
FAQs
- A code enforcement violation occurs when a property does not comply with local ordinances related to zoning, health, safety, or maintenance. Examples include overgrown lawns, illegal structures, unpermitted work, and junk accumulation.
- You can report a violation to your city or county’s code enforcement office by phone, online, or in person. Since Florida law (SB 60) prohibits anonymous complaints, you must provide your name and address when filing.
- Or you can use SNITCH, and we'll file it for you in our name!
- A code enforcement officer will inspect the property. If a violation is found, the owner is typically given a notice to comply within a specified timeframe before facing fines or legal action.
- Yes, but under Florida law, complainants must identify themselves unless the violation is an imminent safety hazard (e.g., structural collapse, fire risk, environmental danger).
- Or, you can use SNITCH, and we'll file it in our name!
- Penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include daily fines, property liens, and even court action. Some violations may result in fines of $250 to $500 per day until resolved.
- Yes. You have the right to challenge a violation by requesting a hearing before a Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate. Evidence and testimony can be presented in your defense.
- Timeframes vary but typically range from 7 to 30 days depending on the severity of the issue. Extensions may be granted in certain cases.
- Officers cannot enter private property without permission or a court-issued warrant, except for public safety emergencies or visible violations from public spaces.
- Ignoring a notice can lead to increased fines, property liens, legal action, and foreclosure in extreme cases. Some counties may use collection agencies to recover unpaid fines.
- Most Florida cities and counties have online code enforcement portals where you can search by address or case number. You can also call your local enforcement office for updates.
Ordering Questions
FAQs
- You can place an order through our website by selecting a compliance service, adding it to your cart, and completing checkout. We accept secure online payments and provide a confirmation email after your purchase.
SNITCH specializes in code compliance filing services, including:
- Code violation complaint submissions
- Tracking and follow-up services
- Public records request handling
- HOA and tenant-landlord dispute filings
Processing times depend on the service level:
- Neighbor Snitch Free Code Violation Filing Plan: DIY submission, no processing by us.
- Advocate / Speak Up Plan: 3-5 business days.
- Partner / Take Action Plan: 1-2 business days.
- Champion / Lead Change Plan: Same-day processing if ordered before cutoff time.
After checkout, you’ll receive an order confirmation email with next steps. Depending on your plan, we will:
- Verify your complaint details
- Submit the complaint on your behalf
- Provide tracking updates (Partner / Take Action & Champion / Lead Change plans only)
- We start processing orders immediately, so cancellations or changes may not always be possible. Contact go@joesnitch.com as soon as possible, and we’ll try to accommodate your request.
- Yes! For Silver, Partner / Take Action, and Champion / Lead Change plans, we provide a submission confirmation and any relevant case numbers. Neighbor Snitch Free Code Violation Filing Plan users must submit complaints themselves using our provided template.
- We accept major credit/debit cards, PayPal, and secure online payments. No checks or cash payments are accepted.
Tracking options depend on your plan:
- Neighbor Snitch Free Code Violation Filing Plan: DIY tracking using public databases.
- Advocate / Speak Up Plan: No tracking included.
- Partner / Take Action & Champion / Lead Change Plans: We provide status updates and agency responses when available.
- For paid plans, we offer a resubmission guarantee if a complaint is rejected due to fixable issues (e.g., missing information). We will notify you of any corrections needed.
- Yes! We prioritize privacy and security. Your personal information is only used for complaint processing and is never shared without legal obligation.
Florida Senate Bill 60
FAQs
- SB 60 is a Florida law enacted in 2021 that prohibits local code enforcement officers from investigating anonymous code violation complaints.
- The bill requires the complainant to provide their name and address before an investigation can begin.
- The law was intended to prevent frivolous or retaliatory complaints from being used as a tool for harassment.
- Lawmakers believed that anonymous complaints led to unnecessary investigations and wasted government resources.
- Before SB 60: Residents could report code violations anonymously.
- After SB 60: Complainants must provide their name and address, except in cases of imminent threats to public health or safety.
- If the alleged violation poses an imminent threat to public health, safety, or sensitive environmental resources, the complaint may still be investigated even if filed anonymously.
- The law applies to all Florida municipalities and counties that enforce local code compliance laws.
- It affects code enforcement officers and anyone submitting a code violation complaint.
- No, except in emergencies. Complaints regarding routine code violations must include your name and address.
- Local governments will not investigate anonymous complaints unless they fall under the public safety exceptions.
- No, names and addresses of complainants may become public record under Florida’s public records laws.
- Some jurisdictions may allow complainants to request confidentiality, but this is not guaranteed.
- Yes, SB 60 applies to all property-related code enforcement complaints, whether against residences, businesses, or vacant properties.
- Yes, SB 60 does not prevent code enforcement officers from acting on violations they witness directly.
- The law only limits complaints initiated by citizens who do not provide identifying information.
- Opponents argue that SB 60 discourages people from reporting violations due to fear of retaliation.
- Some believe the law benefits repeat offenders and reduces accountability for landlords, businesses, and homeowners who violate codes.
- Civil rights groups raised concerns that it restricts the ability of renters and vulnerable individuals to report unsafe living conditions.
- There are no new penalties for filing a false complaint under SB 60, but existing local laws against false reports still apply.
- Check your local city or county website for the correct reporting process.
- You will need to provide your name and address, along with details about the violation.
- Some jurisdictions allow online, phone, or in-person submissions.
- Like any law, SB 60 can be amended or repealed through legislative action.
- As of now, there have been no major legislative efforts to overturn it.
- Contact your local code enforcement office for questions about how SB 60 is enforced in your city or county.
- You can also reach out to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation or your state representative.
Your Rights Questions
FAQs
The most common violations include:
- Overgrown grass and weeds (typically over 12 inches)
- Unpermitted construction or renovations
- Junk, debris, or abandoned vehicles on private property
- Illegal business operations in residential areas
- Unsafe or deteriorating structures
- Improperly stored trash bins
- Fence, shed, or sign violations
- Noise complaints (especially in residential areas)
- Blocked sidewalks or illegal parking
- Failure to maintain swimming pools (green pools can be a health hazard)
Timeframes vary depending on the severity of the violation and local ordinances.
- Minor violations (e.g., overgrown lawns) typically require compliance within 7-14 days.
- Serious structural or safety issues may allow 30 days or more, with possible extensions.
- If the issue is not resolved within the given period, fines and penalties may apply.
Most Florida counties have online portals where you can:
- Search by property address, case number, or owner name.
- View complaint details, inspection notes, and case updates.
- Alternatively, call or visit the local code enforcement office.
Yes, property owners have the right to dispute a violation.
- Request a hearing before the Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate.
- Present evidence proving compliance or arguing against the violation.
- If successful, the violation may be dismissed or modified.
You can file a report through your city or county’s Code Enforcement Office via:
- SNITCH
- Online complaint portals
- Phone calls to the enforcement office
- In-person reports at city hall
- Mail or email submissions (varies by county)
- Officers can inspect violations visible from public spaces (e.g., streets, sidewalks).
- They cannot enter private property without permission or a court-issued warrant.
- Exceptions apply for emergency situations or public safety threats.
Yes, property owners inherit unresolved code violations when purchasing a home.
- Always check for outstanding violations before buying.
- Request a municipal lien search or check the county’s public records database.
- Work with the seller to clear violations before closing.
- Officers cannot enter private property without permission or a court-issued warrant, except for public safety emergencies or visible violations from public spaces.
If you need more time:
- Contact the code enforcement office and request an extension.
- Provide proof of progress (e.g., work permits, contractor agreements).
- Attend a hearing if required to explain the delay.
- A hearing is held before a Special Magistrate or Code Board.
- The property owner presents their case (with or without legal representation).
- The board may dismiss, modify, or enforce penalties.
- If found guilty, fines may be imposed until compliance is achieved.
Affiliate Questions
FAQs
- The SNITCH affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by referring customers to our paid services. Affiliates receive a unique referral link and earn a percentage of each successful sale made through their link.
- Once you sign up, you’ll get a personalized tracking link. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. Payouts are made monthly based on completed sales.
Anyone with an audience interested in code enforcement, legal compliance, tenant rights, HOA disputes, or public accountability can join. This includes:
- Bloggers
- Website owners
- Social media influencers
- Community leaders
- Advocacy groups
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No! The SNITCH affiliate program is 100% free to join—there are no setup fees or hidden costs.
- We use advanced tracking software to monitor clicks, conversions, and commissions. Your referral link includes a cookie (typically valid for 60 days), so you get credit for purchases made within that period.
- Payments are made monthly via PayPal or Zelle (depending on your preference).
- You must meet the minimum payout threshold of $50 before withdrawal.
Yes! You can share your affiliate link on:
- Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Websites & blogs
- Email newsletters
- YouTube videos
However, spamming and paid search ads on our brand name are not allowed.
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Simply visit our Affiliate Signup Page, fill out the registration form, and get instant access to your dashboard & referral links.
Your affiliate dashboard allows you to track:
- Clicks & conversions
- Total earnings
- Pending payouts
- Top-performing referrals
Chaz Stevens Questions
FAQs
- Chaz Stevens is a prominent First Amendment advocate known for creative activism strategies. He leverages humor, satire, and the legal principle of malicious compliance to challenge unfair policies, promote civic accountability, and uphold individual rights.
- Malicious compliance activism involves strictly following rules or laws in such a way that highlights their absurdity or unfairness, prompting officials or organizations to reconsider or revise problematic regulations.
- Stevens famously petitioned to place "In God We Trust" signs in Arabic on public buildings, challenging religious favoritism, and orchestrated a "Bible ban" initiative that led school boards to reconsider discriminatory practices involving religious literature.
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ESADoggy is Stevens’ innovative initiative that originally focused on Emotional Support Animal documentation but has evolved into a broader platform specializing in political publicity events, media strategies, and impactful advocacy campaigns.
- Revolt.Training is an advocacy boot camp developed by Stevens, offering intensive, practical training designed to equip activists and advocacy groups with powerful tools for creating systemic change, media influence, and effective civic engagement.
- SNITCH is a civic accountability project created by Stevens to simplify reporting code enforcement violations. The platform empowers residents to engage actively in their communities by efficiently addressing compliance issues.
- Stevens identifies as fiercely independent, aligning primarily with principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability rather than a specific political ideology.
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Yes, his unconventional methods often spark controversy, leading to public criticism and legal challenges. However, Stevens remains committed to leveraging his expertise and humor to spotlight important civic issues.
- Absolutely. Through Revolt.Training, Stevens offers tailored strategies and training specifically focused on gaining media attention and effectively communicating advocacy campaigns to broader audiences.
- Visit Revolt.Training for detailed information, courses, workshops, and resources designed by Stevens to help individuals and groups elevate their advocacy efforts and drive meaningful systemic change.
Advertising Questions
FAQs
- Your banner typically goes live within 1-3 business days after receiving and verifying your submission.
- Once you sign up, you’ll get a personalized tracking link. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. Payouts are made monthly based on completed sales.
- Yes, please contact us as soon as possible. Changes may delay publication slightly.
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We accept JPEG, PNG, and GIF formats.
- You can request banner changes; additional charges may apply depending on the timing and frequency of changes.
- Billing occurs upfront and must be completed prior to banner publication.
- Yes, extensions are possible and subject to availability. Contact us directly for extensions
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We will immediately correct any link issues. Please notify us immediately upon discovering any issue.
- Yes, we provide banner design services at an additional cost. Please inquire for details.
- Common sizes are 728x90, 300x250, and 160x600, though custom sizes can also be accommodated upon request.
- We accommodate placement preferences whenever possible, though premium placements may incur additional charges.
- Yes, banners must comply with legal standards and community guidelines. We reserve the right to decline inappropriate content.
- In case of downtime, we extend your advertising period accordingly to cover the downtime duration
- We offer performance reports upon request to help you track your advertising effectiveness.
HOA Questions
FAQs
- Joe Snitch is an anonymous reporting service helping residents and businesses submit code compliance complaints easily and confidentially. We file reports on your behalf, ensuring your identity stays protected while fostering cleaner, safer communities.
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Absolutely. Joe Snitch files all complaints under our company’s name, keeping your identity confidential unless required by law.
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Your safety and privacy are our top priorities. Joe Snitch is designed to prevent retaliation by anonymizing complaints and using professional, neutral language. Our process focuses on improvement, not confrontation.
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You can report various local code compliance concerns, such as property neglect, illegal dumping, zoning violations, unsafe buildings, and other community safety and cleanliness issues.
HOA Questions
FAQs
- Florida law prohibits code enforcement officers from initiating investigations based solely on anonymous complaints. Complainants must provide their name and address to proceed with an investigation.
- Yes, but only in very specific cases—such as imminent threats to public health, safety, or potential destruction of sensitive habitats.
- Yes. Under Florida law, all code enforcement complaints, including the complainant's name and address, are public records subject to disclosure upon request.
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Urgent hazards, like structurally unsafe buildings, chemical spills, or threats to protected environmental habitats, can still be investigated based on anonymous reports.
- No. Such minor or routine issues require complainants to identify themselves for an investigation to be initiated.
- Code enforcement will typically inform the complainant that state law prohibits anonymous complaints and request resubmission with identifying information. If the complainant refuses, the complaint is usually closed without investigation.
- Yes. Florida has experienced a decline in overall complaints since the law's enactment, partly due to residents’ concerns about potential retaliation if their identities are revealed.
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Your HOA can promote transparency, educate residents on reporting guidelines, and provide clear guidance on protections against retaliation. Additionally, partnering with a third-party facilitator (like an administrative filing service) may help protect individual privacy and encourage responsible reporting.
- Yes, your HOA itself can act as the identified complainant, effectively shielding individual residents' identities from public disclosure. HOAs often serve in this capacity to ensure privacy and reduce retaliation concerns.
- Clearly inform residents of the law's identification requirement, encourage responsible and transparent reporting, emphasize community benefits of proper enforcement, and provide guidance on how the HOA can support members wishing to maintain privacy.