Purpose

The purpose of the Okeechobee County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate ( OCCESM) is to hear code cases presented by Code Officers of Okeechobee County. The OCCESM hears cases concerning: high grass, outside storage or junk and other miscellaneous items, abandoned vehicles, parking of trailers, standard housing code violations, expired permit, no final inspections on permit, or failure to obtain permit.

Meeting Schedule

Hearings before the Okeechobee County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate (“OCCESM”) occur on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. in the Okeechobee County Health Department Auditorium, 1728 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida.  

Prior to each meeting date, the agenda for that meeting will be available at the Community Development Department, 1700 NW 9th Avenue, Suite A, and available through the Okeechobee County Website at www.co.okeechobee.fl.us.

Roles and Responsibilities

Our Code Enforcement is responsible for disciplinary actions under the Code of Ordinances of Okeechobee County, Florida, Including Part II, Land Development Regulations, and the Florida Building Codes.

The hearings are quasi-judicial, subject to the Florida Sunshine Law. The Special Magistrate must not discuss any matter unless such discussion occurs at a hearing advertised and open to the public.

Contact

Beth Albert, Code Supervisor
Shelby Ritter, Administrative Assistant
Ph: 863-763-5548
Email:  sritter@co.okeechobee.fl.us

Special Magistrate

All code cases in Okeechobee County are heard by a Special Magistrate. The Special Magistrate has the authority to subpoena witnesses and records, order rulings on violations, assess fines, and order liens to be placed upon the property. 

Property owners cited by code compliance are given a reasonable amount of time to bring their property into compliance before the case is referred to the Special Magistrate.