§ 5-63. Inspections.

(a)

The enforcing agency is hereby authorized and empowered to make inspections of dwellings, dwelling units, hotels, rooming houses, and all premises adjacent to such structures, including vacant lots and commercial properties located adjacent thereto, in order to determine the physical condition of said premises.

(b)

The inspecting officers of the enforcing agency are hereby authorized to enter, examine, and survey all structures and premises, at reasonable hours, to ensure compliance with the minimum standards established by this article.

(c)

In the event a person who has common authority over a structure or premises regulated hereunder shall not consent to an inspection, survey, and examination of said structure or premises, said person shall be given the opportunity to reschedule such inspection, survey, and examination for a time certain within ten (10) days of the inspector's initial contact. Failure of the person exercising common authority over said structure or premises to thereafter consent to an inspection, survey, and examination of the structure or premises without just cause, shall be sufficient grounds and probable cause to seek an inspection warrant, as authorized by Sections 933.20 through 933.30, Florida Statutes, as amended, for the purpose of inspecting, surveying, or examining said structure or premises. Owner occupied family residences are exempt from the provisions of Sections 933.20 through 933.30, Florida Statutes, as amended.

(d)

In the event a structure or premises appears to be abandoned or vacant and the owner cannot be readily contacted in order to obtain consent to inspect, survey, and examine the structure or premises, then, and in that event, the inspector may enter upon any open, unsecured, or unlocked portion of the structure or premises in order to conduct an inspection, survey, and examination thereof.

(e)

In the event it shall be deemed necessary by an inspector of the enforcing agency to enter a secured or locked structure or premises which appears to be abandoned or vacant, and the owner cannot be readily contacted in order to obtain consent to inspect, survey, and examine the structure or premises, then, and in that event, the absence of the owner and vacancy of the structure and premises shall be sufficient grounds and probable cause to obtain an inspection warrant, as authorized by Sections 933.20 through 933.30, Florida Statutes, as amended, for the purpose of inspecting, examining, and surveying the structure and premises. Owner occupied family residences are exempt from the provisions of Sections 933.20 through 933.30, Florida Statutes, as amended.

(f)

Inspecting officers of the enforcing agency shall be provided with official identification and shall exhibit such identification when making any inspection.

(Ord. No. 76-55, § 12, 10-12-76; Ord. No. 2010-09, § 1, 2-9-10)