Code Enforcement & Security

The Division of Security and Code Enforcement seeks to enhance neighborhoods and residents’ health, security, safety and general welfare through an efficient and effective security and code enforcement program.
All actions shall be conducted in a responsible and fair manner focusing on customer service and public awareness while respecting the property rights of our land owners. The Public Safety director performs code enforcement activities in the district in conjunction with Highlands County Code Enforcement and the district contracts out security services including security patrols, response to non-emergency calls and managing a daily house watch program.
Security Vehicle

Quick Links

Click here to fill out the Security Watch Order online.

Click here to review the Sun 'n Lake of Sebring Improvement District, Code of Ordinances.

Code Enforcement Rules with Sun' n Lake Improvement District

  1. Changes to Minimum Maintenance Standards

Code Enforcement Guide

If you receive a warning notice, please contact the Sun 'n Lake Code Enforcement Department immediately to let us know how we can help you get your property into compliance. Our main goal is VOLUNTARY compliance.

What happens if you have a violation?

1. Warning Notice: This will give a reasonable time to comply. If you have some extenuating circumstance and need more time, please call and let us know. Our contact information is on the notice. If the property is not brought into compliance; the next step is,

2. Notice of Violation and a Notice of Hearing: Usually mailed together, again giving a time limit. If the property is not in compliance by this deadline a fine will begin to accrue and the property will be brought before the Special Magistrate. There are various associated fees and costs that Sun 'n Lake will be able to recover and may include the cost of correcting the violation. The Special Magistrate will rule on the case and issue an Order. Once the Order is issued it will be recorded at the County Clerk of Courts which will then become a lien against the property.

Five of the Most Common Violations

1. High Grass and Weeds: On any property that has been cleared of trees, shrubs and other vegetation the underbrush must be maintained at twelve (12) inches or less, and any structure located thereon, the underbrush growth must be maintained at eight (8) inches or less.

2. Motor Vehicles Parking on Lawns: The seepage and accumulation of gasoline, diesel fuel, oil and other toxic fluids commonly used in motor vehicles can lead to contamination of groundwater, destruction of plant life, and represents a serious fire hazard. Therefore: vehicles must be parked on prepared services.

3. Unlicensed or Inoperable Vehicles: Any partially dismantled, non-operating, wrecked, junked, discarded or unlicensed vehicle or vessel cannot be kept on any property within the District's boundaries.

4. Storage and Parking of Recreational Vehicles: One boat eighteen (18) feet or less and no more than four (4) feet in average height or one utility trailer eight (8) feet or less in length and no more than four (4) feet in average height are allowed but must be parked on the driveway.

5. Garbage Disposal: Everyone must dispose of all garbage, rubbish and any other organic waste by placing it in garbage containers. No person shall place any garbage container in open public view for pickup earlier than twelve (12) hours prior to the designated pickup time. Garbage containers shall otherwise be kept in a secure and sanitary manner away from public view. This rule excludes multi-use dumpsters.

Information Concerning Right-of-Ways

By Section 9-87 of the enabling Act, as codified, the District is granted the right and power to construct, improve and maintain streets and roads, among other things, within the District. The erection of signs within the District right-of-way causes difficulty in the maintenance and mowing of said right-of-way, constitutes an unsightly appearance within the District, and, in certain cases, when the signs are of sufficient size and improperly located, cause an impairment to visual line of sight, constituting a traffic and safety hazard. No signs of any kind may be erected within the right-of-way of any road or street owned and maintained by the District without the approval of the District General Manager.