FL H0281

Renames the "Local Government Code Enforcement Boards Act" to the "Local Government Code Enforcement Act," authorizes counties and municipalities to designate special magistrates (Florida Bar members with at least 5 years of experience) as an alternative or supplement to code enforcement boards, and allows assessment of administrative fees through alternate enforcement systems

Revises the code violation notice and hearing process by allowing code inspectors to directly schedule hearings rather than routing through the enforcement board's clerical staff, reduces the certified mail response window from 30 to 15 days, and requires affidavits of delivery for hand-delivered notices and subpoenas

Creates s. 162.41, F.S., requiring governmental entities that permit code inspectors to wear body cameras to establish policies and procedures for use, maintenance, storage, and data retention, and to provide training and conduct periodic compliance reviews

Increases criminal penalties for assault and battery against code inspectors: aggravated assault reclassified from 2nd degree felony to 1st degree felony, battery reclassified from 3rd degree felony to 1st degree felony, and simple assault reclassified from 1st degree misdemeanor to 3rd degree felony

Requires (rather than permits) recording of original orders or certified copies imposing fines in the county's public records, creating liens against the violator's property, with liens lasting up to 20 years and enforceable through circuit court petition; effective date is July 1, 2025