Direct answer
Read the Notice of Violation, then contact the Hialeah Code Compliance inspector who issued it. The City says to take prompt action to correct the issue. If you are making a good faith effort and need more time, you can ask that inspector for an extension. If you believe the notice was issued in error, the City says you must file a hearing request within 15 days of the notice date, or 20 days if it was mailed.
Disclaimer
This article is general information about permitting and code-enforcement processes. It is not legal advice, not a substitute for advice from a Florida-licensed attorney, and not a guarantee of any result, timeline, or fee. Permit Busters, LLC is not a law firm and does not appear as your legal representative. Building and code rules vary by county and municipality and can change. Confirm current requirements, forms, and fees with the building or code office that has jurisdiction over the property, and consult a Florida attorney and, where construction work is required, a Florida-licensed contractor.
Este artículo es información general sobre procesos de permisos y cumplimiento del código. No es asesoramiento legal, no sustituye el consejo de un abogado con licencia en Florida y no garantiza un resultado, un plazo ni un costo. Permit Busters, LLC no es un bufete de abogados y no comparece como su representante legal. Las normas de construcción y de código varían según el condado y el municipio y pueden cambiar. Confirme los requisitos, formularios y tarifas vigentes con la oficina de construcción o de código que tenga jurisdicción sobre la propiedad, y consulte a un abogado de Florida y, cuando se requiera obra, a un contratista con licencia en Florida.
Step 1: Read the notice line by line
Hialeah’s Code Compliance FAQ tells owners to review the notice carefully to understand the violation. Look for:
- The code section and a description of the violation
- The compliance date
- Any civil penalty listed
- The inspector’s name and contact information
- Whether the issue is about property upkeep or zoning, or about construction without a permit
The City says the enforcement process follows the City of Hialeah Code of Ordinances. Whether a warning must come before a notice depends on the violation. The City also says notices may be issued directly for hazardous or life-threatening conditions.
Step 2: Contact the inspector
The City’s FAQ says to contact the inspector who issued the notice with questions about how to resolve it. Code Compliance can also be reached at 305-883-5832 or codecompliance@hialeahfl.gov. Keep a written record of every call, email, and visit.
Step 3: If you need more time, ask in writing
Hialeah says that if you are making a good faith effort to bring the property into compliance, you may request an extension from the inspector who issued the violation. You can also submit a written request in person. The City posts a Code Compliance Extension Form on its Code Compliance Forms page. Whether an extension is granted is the City’s decision.
Step 4: If you disagree, watch the hearing-request deadline
The City says that if you believe the notice was issued in error, you have the right to request a hearing before a Special Magistrate. The Request for Administrative Hearing Appeal form can be submitted in person, by mail, or by email. The City says requests must be filed within 15 days of the notice’s issuance date, or 20 days if the notice was sent by mail. Confirm the date on your own notice.
Hialeah says its Special Magistrate hears code cases under Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, can impose fines, liens, and other non-criminal penalties, and holds hearings at least once a month.
If the violation is work without a permit
Construction violations involve the Hialeah Building Department, which administers the Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade County regulations in the City. Hialeah’s “Do I need a Permit?” page says an owner or agent must first get the required permit before building, altering, repairing, or demolishing a structure, or before installing or replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
Hialeah has a Building Relief Program for owners who self-report unpermitted work, but the City says you are not eligible if enforcement has already begun, such as a Notice of Civil Violation for building without a permit or an illegal unit. Either way, legalizing work usually means as-built plans, permits, and inspections. If signed and sealed plans are required, they must be prepared by a Florida-licensed engineer or architect. Permit Busters, LLC can help coordinate that step. See How to Legalize Unpermitted Work in South Florida and after-the-fact permit services.
What happens if nothing is done
The City says that failing to pay the initial civil penalty or correct the violation by the deadline may lead to more fines and a possible lien on the property. Hialeah’s forms page also lists a lien reduction request form. Ask the City how it applies to your case.
Get help with a Hialeah notice
Permit Busters, LLC can help you read the notice, check the property’s permit history, and prepare the permit paperwork a correction needs, so the correction can be submitted to the office that has the case. Any help with a hearing is document preparation only. That is not attorney work, and Permit Busters, LLC does not appear or speak for you at the hearing. If you want legal counsel, talk to a Florida attorney. See the Hialeah page and code violation services. Approval always rests with the city or county. Call (954) 616-5823, email info@permitbusters.com, or book an appointment. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Permit Busters, LLC is based in Lauderhill, FL 33351.
FAQ
What should I do first after a Hialeah code violation notice?
Read the notice carefully and contact the Code Compliance inspector who issued it. Hialeah’s FAQ says to take prompt action to correct the issue and to ask that inspector how to resolve it.
Can I get more time to fix a Hialeah code violation?
Hialeah says that if you are making a good faith effort, you may request an extension from the inspector who issued the violation or submit a written request in person. The City posts an extension form. Whether more time is granted is the City’s decision.
How long do I have to appeal a Hialeah code violation?
Hialeah says hearing requests must be filed within 15 days of the notice’s issuance date, or 20 days if the notice was sent by mail. Check the dates on your own notice. This is general information, not legal advice.
Who hears code cases in Hialeah?
A Special Magistrate. Hialeah says the Special Magistrate hears code cases under Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes and can impose fines, liens, and other non-criminal penalties.
Can I use Hialeah’s Building Relief Program after I get a violation?
Hialeah says no. If the City has already begun enforcement, such as issuing a notice for building without a permit or an illegal unit, the property is not eligible for the Building Relief Program.