Reporting a Code Violation
Report a Code Violation
The Miami Shores Village Code Compliance Department investigates and addresses violations of the Village Code of Ordinances to help protect public health, safety, welfare, and neighborhood quality of life.
Emergency or immediate safety concern: Call 911. For police non-emergency assistance, call the Miami Shores Police Department at 305-759-2468.
Florida law notice: Code Compliance cannot initiate an investigation based on an anonymous complaint unless the alleged violation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare, or involves imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources. A person reporting a potential code violation must provide their name and address before an investigation can occur. Review Florida Statute 166.0415 .
The Village may also request a phone number and email address so staff can follow up, document the request, and provide case-related communication.
How to Report a Code Violation
- Confirm that the issue may be a violation of the Miami Shores Village Code of Ordinances.
- Gather the property address, a brief description of the concern, photos if available, and your contact information.
- Submit the complaint to the Code Compliance Department by email at CodeCompliance@msvfl.gov or by phone at 305-762-4862.
- A Code Compliance inspector will review the reported property. If a code violation is confirmed, the property owner will be given instructions and a timeframe to correct the violation.
- If the violation is not corrected within the required timeframe, the case may continue through the enforcement process and may be presented to the Code Enforcement Board, which has authority to impose fines.
Examples of Possible Code Violations
The following are examples of issues that may be reviewed by Code Compliance:
Property Maintenance
Overgrown grass, trash or debris on site, exterior structure maintenance, or property in need of cleaning.
Vehicles, Boats, and Storage
Inoperable vehicles, vehicles parked on landscaped areas, improperly stored boats or vessels, or similar concerns.
Construction and Use
Construction without a permit, unsafe conditions, illegal signage, short-term rentals, or businesses causing a nuisance or operating illegally.
Additional Examples
- Vegetation on private property in need of trimming.
- Swale or parkway areas in poor condition.
- Unsafe conditions on private property.
- Illegal signs or signs placed without authorization.
- Business activity that creates a nuisance or appears to operate illegally.
Issues Not Directly Handled by Code Compliance
Some concerns are handled by other agencies or Village departments. The list below provides general guidance:
- Animal neglect or abuse: Miami-Dade County Animal Services.
- Landlord and tenant disputes: Civil matter; seek legal guidance as appropriate.
- After-hours urgent concerns: Miami Shores Police Department non-emergency line at 305-759-2468.
- Environmental complaints: Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management.
- Street lights: Florida Power & Light or the appropriate roadway agency.
- Potholes, sidewalks, streets, or public right-of-way issues: Public Works.
What Happens After You Report a Violation?
Resolving a violation can take time. Code Compliance works with the property owner to achieve compliance. Some cases may be corrected quickly, while others require additional inspections, notices, deadlines, or formal enforcement action.
You may not receive automatic updates on the case. For case-related information, contact the Code Compliance Department at 305-762-4862 or CodeCompliance@msvfl.gov.
Public records notice: Information submitted to Miami Shores Village may be subject to disclosure under Florida Public Records Law. Do not include unnecessary confidential or sensitive information in your complaint.
