§ 2-394. Options of persons cited; county court method.

The following options shall apply to a person cited for violating the code and issued a citation that prescribes that it may be contested in county court:

(1)

Any person cited for violation of the code shall be deemed to be charged with a civil infraction and cited to appear in county court.

(2)

Any person cited for a violation under this division may, within 30 days of issuance:

a.

Pay the applicable civil penalty at the clerk of the circuit court's office; or

b.

Contest the validity of the citation through appearance at the clerk of the circuit court's office to receive a court date.

(3)

The willful refusal to sign or accept a citation issued by a code enforcement officer shall be a violation of this division and shall be prosecuted as a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in F.S. §§ 775.082 or 775.083, or their successor provisions.

(4)

If the person cited fails to pay the civil penalty within the time allowed, or timely contest the citation, he shall be deemed to have admitted the infraction, waived his right to contest the citation and judgment may be entered against the person for an amount up to the maximum civil penalty.

(Ord. No. 2009-20, § II, 8-20-2009)