Video: WEAR News ABC 3
“For years, Floridians could call in code enforcement complaints in their neighborhood — and do so anonymously.
But that changed two years ago.
Some say the number of calls have changed, while others say it’s the kind of calls they’re getting that’s different.
A state law changed requiring callers to leave their name and address with their complaint. Anyone can now see the contact information of the caller when they request the public record.
The law took effect in July 2021 with the goal to stop frivolous complaints.
Escambia County Deputy Director of Natural Resources Tim Day says their calls dropped by about 25 percent since the change.
Officials with the City of Pensacola say they’ve not seen a noticeable drop in calls, with the number of calls also not dropping in Santa Rosa County.
But Santa Rosa County code enforcement manager Bobby Burkett says the nature of the calls has changed.
‘It’s reduced some of the what we call frivolous calls when neighbors get mad at each other and we go out there and it’s really no violation,’ he said…
Code enforcement officers in Santa Rosa County say when the law changed, there were concerns about people not calling because of fear of retaliation. But now most of the people who call are willing to share their name and address.”
— Sha’de Ray, WEAR News ABC 3