AVON PARK — The city's code enforcement office sent out 75 warnings to landlords for not holding rental permits since its enforcement began in December. The grace period ended last month, following the city council's passing of a minimum maintenance ordinance that gave code enforcement officers the right to annually inspect homes while also requiring landlords to get an annual $37.50-per-unit permit to lease within the city. Capt. Donald Simmons, Avon Park's head code enforcement officer, said he was going by "word of mouth" to find other landlords and rental properties in the city, since his office doesn't have an active list of residential rental properties in the city yet. His fellow officers sent the warnings so that landlords are aware of the requirement. "This is the first year this has been done in Avon Park," Simmons said. "This is brand new. A lot of people aren't aware of it." ...more

January 8, 2008