A few inches of tall grass, a closed storm shutter in December, or a missing permit can add up to daily fines and a recorded lien in Port St. Lucie. If you own a home or plan to buy one here, staying ahead of local code basics protects your time, wallet, and resale value. In this guide, you’ll learn the most common violations, how the process works, what fines look like, and the quick steps to stay compliant. Let’s dive in.
How code enforcement works in PSL
Port St. Lucie enforces city ordinances through its Code Compliance team, with unresolved cases heard by a Special Magistrate. The city aims for voluntary compliance first, then uses hearings if an issue is not corrected by a deadline. You can review the city’s program on the Code Compliance page.
Hearings and notices follow Florida’s Chapter 162 procedures, which outline how officers investigate, issue notices, and schedule hearings. If you ever receive a notice, read it carefully and respond before the compliance date to avoid escalation.
- Learn more: the city’s Code Compliance overview and FAQs explain local steps and contacts. State procedures are in Florida Statute 162.06.
Top PSL violations to avoid
PSL publishes common residential violations and how to prevent them. Here are the big ones and what you can do now.
Lawn and swale care
- Keep grass below the code height. You are typically responsible for mowing the swale in front of your home.
- Remove yard waste and bulky items promptly. Use scheduled pickup or arrange proper disposal.
- Reference: Common Residential Code Violations.
Outdoor storage and debris
- Do not store indoor furniture, appliances, or building materials outside.
- Keep yards free of junk and visible clutter to avoid open storage citations.
- Reference: Common Residential Code Violations.
Vehicles and parking
- Do not store inoperative or unlicensed vehicles outdoors.
- Avoid parking commercial vehicles in residential areas. Check requirements for RVs, boats, and trailers, including pad rules and placement.
- Reference: Common Residential Code Violations.
Fences, pool barriers, and exterior upkeep
- Repair damaged fences, soffits, fascia, roof coverings, and window or door screens.
- Pools must have compliant barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Pull permits for new fences or structural work before starting.
- Reference: Common Residential Code Violations.
Hurricane shutters timeline
- Shutters may be in the closed position June 1 through November 30, or during an active watch or warning.
- After a storm, remove any device that blocks egress within 14 days.
- Leaving shutters closed outside the allowed window is a safety violation.
- Reference: Common Residential Code Violations.
Signs and yard-sale or open house signs
- Place signs on private property, not in the swale or right of way.
- Follow size and setback rules to avoid removal and citations.
- Reference: Common Residential Code Violations.
Address numbers and solid waste
- Keep address numbers clearly visible for safety responders.
- Follow local rules for trash, bulk, and hazardous waste disposal.
- Reference: Common Residential Code Violations.
Permits and contractors: start right to avoid fines
Many common projects require permits in PSL, including fences, roofs, pools, additions, and most electrical and plumbing work. Starting work without a permit can trigger stop-work orders, double fees, and referrals to Code Compliance.
- Check requirements and applications on the Building Department’s permit page.
- If you hire a pro, verify state licensure and city registration. The city enforces contractor licensing rules.
- For owner-builder permits, follow the city’s specific process before you begin.
Short-term rentals: what owners should know
As of October 12, 2025, the city did not list a Port St. Lucie short-term rental registration program on its site. This can change, and your HOA or condo association may have stricter rules, so always re-check city updates and your community’s documents first.
If you rent for six months or less, you must register and remit the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Tax and applicable Florida sales tax. The Tax Collector provides registration guidance for owners.
If you get a notice of violation
Here is the typical sequence and how to stay on track:
- Read the notice and the compliance date. Fix what you can immediately and keep records.
- Contact your assigned code officer, explain your plan, and request more time if needed.
- If you receive a hearing notice, attend the Special Magistrate hearing with proof of corrections.
- If a violation is found, the magistrate may impose daily fines. Unpaid fines can become a lien.
Florida law sets common default fine caps of up to 250 dollars per day for a first violation and up to 500 dollars per day for a repeat violation. Cities with larger populations can adopt higher caps by ordinance, and the magistrate can also impose one-time fines for irreparable violations. Check the city’s current policy and review Florida Statute 162.09 for the fine framework. For local procedures and hearing schedules, see the Special Magistrate page and Neighborhood Services FAQs.
Quick owner checklist
- Maintenance and appearance
- Mow lawns and swales regularly. Remove debris and bulky items on time. Review common violations.
- Vehicles and parking
- Keep only licensed, operable vehicles outdoors. Follow rules for RVs, boats, trailers, and commercial vehicles.
- Structures and safety
- Repair exterior damage, maintain pool barriers, and open hurricane shutters outside June 1 to November 30.
- Permits and contractors
- Confirm permits before work starts. Verify contractor licensure and city registration.
- Rentals and taxes
- If you rent for six months or less, register and remit Tourist Development Tax and applicable sales tax.
- If you get a notice
- Respond quickly, document fixes, and communicate with your code officer. Ask about timelines and next steps.
Resources and contacts
- City of Port St. Lucie Code Compliance: 772-871-5010, [email protected]. Overview and contacts: Code Compliance.
- Common Residential Code Violations: see examples and prevention steps.
- Special Magistrate information and hearing schedule: Special Magistrate.
- Building Department permits and checklists: Permit Applications, Fees and Checklists. Main permits line: 772-871-5132.
- Contractor Licensing rules and verification: Contractor Licensing.
- Florida Chapter 162 procedures and fine caps: Statute 162.06 and Statute 162.09.
- St. Lucie County Tax Collector Tourist Development Tax: Tourist Development.
If you are planning improvements, managing a rental, or prepping a home for sale in Port St. Lucie, you deserve a smooth, compliant path. For practical guidance on value-boosting updates and a smart plan to list or buy with confidence, reach out to James Boyles.
FAQs
What should a Port St. Lucie homeowner do first after receiving a code notice?
- Read the notice, call the assigned code officer to confirm the issue and deadline, start corrective work, and document progress with photos and receipts.
How much can daily code fines be in Port St. Lucie under Florida law?
- Defaults under state law are up to 250 dollars per day for a first violation and up to 500 dollars per day for a repeat violation, with higher caps possible if adopted locally.
When can hurricane shutters stay closed in Port St. Lucie?
- Shutters may be closed June 1 through November 30 or during an active watch or warning, and any device blocking egress should be removed within 14 days after an event.
Do I need a permit for a new fence or roof in Port St. Lucie?
- Yes, permits are required for common projects like fences and roof replacements, and work should not start until the permit is issued.
What taxes apply if I rent my Port St. Lucie home short term?
- Rentals of six months or less are generally subject to the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Tax and applicable Florida sales tax, which require registration and remittance.
