Citation Process

Supplemental Code Enforcement Procedure

Code Enforcement Officers and Animal Control Officers are authorized by Florida State Statute 162.21 to issue citations when a violation of the ordinances has occurred. The citations issued by Code Enforcement are civil in nature, not criminal. The amount of the fine will vary between $50 and $250. The amount of the fine is determined by the nature of the violation and how many times the violator has previously been cited. In some cases, a court appearance is mandatory.

If you receive a citation of any city ordinance, including parking, there are two options for you to choose from:

OPTION #1 - payment of the penalty.

If you choose to pay the civil penalty, you are admitting guilt to the violation. You can make payment either in person or through the mail to the following. Checks should be made payable to: The City of Fort Pierce. Do not send cash through the mail.

The City of Fort Pierce - Finance Department
100 N US Hwy 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950

OPTION #2 - dispute the citation

If you choose to dispute the citation and related charges, please submit the Citation Dispute Form found here. Unless the matter requires a mandatory court hearing, it will be scheduled to be heard before a Special Magistrate. Their hearings are held in the Commission Chambers of City Hall on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am.

If the citation requires mandatory court, the citation will be filed with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court and they will issue notice of when the matter will be heard. Mandatory court hearings are heard by a St. Lucie County Judge.

Violation Classification First Offense Second Offense Third & Subsequent
  Class I  $50.00          $100.00 Court Hearing Mandatory
  Class II  $100.00          $200.00 Court Hearing Mandatory
  Class III  $250.00 Court Hearing Mandatory Court Hearing Mandatory
Chapter or Section                     Description                                                                          Class  
Sec. 5-375B Sea Turtle lighting II
Sec. 5-73 House numbers required I
Sec. 8.5 Minimum occupancy standards III
Ch. 9 Business tax receipts II
Sec. 9-80 Street vendors; permit required I
Sec. 9-82 Seasonal vendors; permit required I
Sec. 9-335 Garage sales regulations I
Sec. 11-10 Storage of scraps and waste II
Sec. 11-11 Storage of commodity in vehicle II
Sec. 11-24 Destruction of public property I
Sec. 11-26 Distribution of handbills I
Sec. 11-30 Refrigerator safety III
Sec. 11-39 Exhibiting obscene pictures or papers II
Ch. 15 Signs II
Sec. 16-22 Littering / dumping prohibited II
Sec. 16-27 Bulk trash removal II
Sec. 16-46 Nuisances on property- not otherwise specified III
Sec. 16-46, 16-48(1)(5) Nuisance as an object- outside storage I
Sec. 16-46, 16-48(10)(d) Nuisance as an object- non-operable vehicle I
Sec. 16-46, 16-48(11) Nuisance as an object- indoor furniture I
Sec. 17-33 Maintenance of storm water facilities III
Sec. 17-96 Storm water discharges prohibited III
Sec. 20-5 Use of water during drought I
Sec. 21-54 Using vessel as a place of business II
Ch. 22 Zoning violations- not otherwise specified II
Sec. 22-60 Commercial Vehicle III
Sec. 22-71(b) Arcade design standards I
Sec. 22-79 Compliance with cond. of approval III
Sec. 22-187(11) Screening of refuse area I
Sec. 22-192 Tree removal permit required I