It can be a homeowner's biggest nightmare. Having to live next door to a neighbor that does not respect the rules of the community can be agonizing. No homeowner wants to make things worse by confronting the neighbor for fear of retaliation. After all, you can't simply pick up and move away when tensions boil over.
This is one of the reasons Code Enforcement allows anonymous reporting. There must be a way to report violations without exposing a homeowner to possible retribution.
Unfortunately, some lawmakers in Tallahassee are trying to take away our ability to accept an anonymous report.
A Bill making its way through the process would prohibit code enforcement officers from investigating if the complaint is received anonymously.
The Bill is just one example of how state lawmakers are trying to take away the City's ability to make its own decisions. Collectively, all the current efforts underway by Tallahassee to reduce the powers of cities are called attacks on Home Rule.
Home Rule is a municipalities right to make its own decisions. Since 1968, Floridians have recognized the need for cities to have Home Rule powers. It is included in our state's Constitution (Article VIII, Section 2(b)) and was implemented by the Legislature in 1973. Home Rule is a cherished concept, supported by an overwhelming majority of Florida citizens.
It is the foundation for local governments as they create fair, effective and responsive policies for their communities.
Each year, the Florida Legislature debates several bills that would take powers away from cities and move them to Tallahassee. This year, code enforcement is just one target.
For more information on Home Rule, visit the Florida League of Cities website: www.floridaleagueofcities.com
