Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Building Department
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The Florida Building Code requires a building permit prior to construction. The Code does this to insure that building permits are obtained. Once the building permit is issued, there are various inspections that are required throughout the duration of the work. Through these inspections, the Building Department has the assurance that the codes are being adhered to, and that buildings are safe.Building Department
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The Florida Building Code is the minimum standard allowed to construct buildings so as to provide for the protection of safety, health and general welfare of the public.Building Department
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You would be issued a notice of code violation. The penalty is double the permit fee. In addition, there may be costly fees for 3rd party engineering analyses that could be required for areas of work that are concealed. You also leave yourself vulnerable to possible litigation if you ever decide to sell your home.Building Department
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Not if you own and occupy the home. State law allows the owners of real property to act as their own contractor. The exemption may only be used if you own and occupy the home. If you sell or lease the home you have built or substantially improved within one year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built or substantially improved it for sale or lease, which is a violation of law. As an owner builder, if you don’t complete all of the work yourself, you must supervise the work and hire licensed trade contractors (electric, plumbing, mechanical and roof) in accordance with state law.Building Department
Any person working on your home who is not licensed must work under your direct supervision and you are required to deduct F.I.C.A. and withholding tax, and provide workers compensation insurance. You cannot act as your own contractor for rental property. -
All commercial and residential work usually requires stamped sealed plans from an architect or engineer. If you have any questions, contact the Building Department for guidance.Building Department
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Ask for and check references, ask to see their state contractor’s license, check to see that their license number is on their business card and proposal, check their license number on the state web site for any complaints. Be aware that if they ask you to obtain the building permit they may not be licensed by the state, which puts the homeowner totally at risk.Building Department
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We only accept cash or checks.Building Department
General FAQs
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General FAQs
General Utilities
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Yes, if you notify us that you would like the account to remain active beyond the initially established period and pay the appropriate deposit prior to the date of scheduled termination, we will change the account to permanent status.General Utilities
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Late fees equal 10% of the balance due at the time the bill becomes delinquent or a minimum of $2.00. Late fees will not be generated if the entire bill is paid each month within 20 days following the bill date.General Utilities
Some customers elect to pay only the outstanding portion of their bill each month (just enough to avoid nonpayment service disconnection). When this is done, late fees continue to apply every month on the delinquent balance due. Please contact our office at 863-471-5112 if you would like assistance in getting caught up on your bills and avoiding future late fees. -
At the time service termination is requested, we will take a final reading. A final bill will then be generated from your last reading date through the date of your final reading. Any deposit on file will be applied to this balance due. The remaining deposit will be refunded or if a balance remains due a final bill will be mailed to the address given at the time service termination is requested.General Utilities
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Although the City cannot change the billing or delinquent date of individual bills, we do our best to work with all of our customers, including those that are on a fixed income. If you rely solely on a social security income and know that you will only get this check at the 1st of every month, we can note your account so that late fees will not be applied on the scheduled delinquent date. Please bring us a copy of your social security statement so that we may process this benefit for you.General Utilities
Please also note that we are not interested in the amount of monthly income. We only require this documentation to support us in placing you on this special status so that customers that do not have this special need are not placed on this status unfairly.
This only protects against late fee generation and does not protect your account from nonpayment service disconnection if the bill is not paid before the next bill is mailed. -
The State of Florida requires residents to hook into municipal sewer systems when they are available and the monthly sewer fee must be paid. However, local provisions allow residents to continue using operable septic systems, eliminating the cost associated with hooking into the City’s sewer system. Should residents choose to continue using their own septic system, the monthly sewer fee will still apply if the central sewer system is available to the residence.General Utilities
If the septic system needs repair or replacement, hook up to the wastewater system is required by law, providing that adequate slope/fall and access is available. The city staff will determine that portion of the connection. -
At the time of service establishment, the account holder is required to sign an application accepting full responsibility for the water service. The account holder also places a deposit on file with us. Because of this, we will not change the name on a utility account unless the account holder is deceased and the spouse provides a death certificate or unless a divorce decree or marriage certificate is provided indicating who is responsible for all utility accounts and that they have assumed ownership of all deposits.General Utilities
We will, however, do our best to work with you if a name change is needed. Although we must complete the appropriate paperwork and refund the original deposit to the account holder, we may be able to use the last reading on account if both parties agree. Therefore, it may be possible for only a new deposit to be put on file and this process will effectively and efficiently accomplish our goal while protecting all involved parties. Please contact our office at 863-471-5112 to discuss this further. -
You can absolutely pay in advance. Should you choose to pay in advance, you will see a credit on your monthly bill and current charges will still be detailed on each monthly statement and deducted from the credit remaining.General Utilities
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General Utilities
The City of Sebring does not have an established rate for vacationers, however, when less than 1,000 gallons is used during a monthly billing period, only the base rate for water will be charged and the sewer charge will be reduced to $2.49 Inside limits and $3.11 outside (residential). This is excluding our Highlands Utility, Harder Hall, and Sebring Airport customers.
Another option is to have the city terminate your service while you’re away and reconnect upon your return. We will hold your deposit on file and lock your water meter so that monthly charges will not generate and you will not be liable for any water usage occurring from theft and/or leaks during this time. The charge for disconnecting and reconnecting service is $40 each time, however, depending on the length of time you are away, you may end up paying this much in base monthly rates anyway. Plus this eliminates any worry of water use that you would be responsible for.
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Yes it will. To calculate this amount, divide the appropriate base rate by the number of days in the month then multiply that amount by the number of days that service was provided.General Utilities
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Tax charged on all utility accounts within the City of Sebring is a utility tax and is not a sales tax.General Utilities
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Contact our office immediately at 863-471-5112 so that you may pay the needed fees to avoid service interruption. The City of Sebring charges for all returned checks.General Utilities
Water Rates:- $25 for check up to $50
- $30 for check up to $300
- $40 for check up to $800
- 5% for check over $800
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Bills become delinquent and late fees are applied when the balance is not paid within 20 days following the bill date.General Utilities
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All utility bills are due when rendered.General Utilities
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Bills are mailed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Friday of every month. Your bill will indicate a Cycle of 1, 2, 3, or 4 on the top above the service address. If your cycle is:General Utilities
- Your bill will be mailed the 1st Friday of every month
- Your bill will be mailed the 2nd Friday of every month
- Your bill will be mailed the 3rd Friday of every month
- Your bill will be mailed the 4th Friday of every month
Periodically, bills will be mailed a day or so sooner or later on account of holiday schedules. -
Deposits are refunded upon account termination. Typically the final bill will be taken from the deposit and the balance is refunded.General Utilities
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We do not turn off for nonpayment of current bills. When a bill is mailed, you are given 20 days to pay the balance due. On the 21st day, late fees will be applied to any outstanding balance due. When your next bill goes out, the outstanding balance will be reflected as a past due balance and you are granted 9 days to pay this amount in full or to arrange other payment arrangements to avoid service interruption.General Utilities
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The connection from the meter to your home is the customer’s responsibility. Any leaks found between the meter and the home must be fixed by the customer. If a leak is on the city’s side of the meter, the water is lost before the usage reaches the meter so the customer will not be charged for this. The city is responsible for repairing leaks on their side of the meter. Please contact us at 863-471-5112 if such a leak is discovered or if you need assistance determining who is responsible for the repairsGeneral Utilities
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City water and sewer service was established to benefit city residents. We have extended our service area beyond city limits but there is a cost to doing this and rates for service beyond city limits have been established higher than those services within city jurisdiction to pay for the additional cost.General Utilities
In addition, larger horsepower pumps, additional storage, and larger water transmission lines are required to provide adequate water and water pressure to commercial and residential services in the outlying areas of the city. That added cost is why a surcharge is added to customers outside city limits. -
General Utilities
Because of the risk of cross contamination and jeopardizing the integrity of the entire water system, the City will charge $112.35 for tampering with a water meter. In addition, the violator will be charged for all expenses relating to the meter tampering including the costs of locks broken and/or removed. Water will not be restored until the fees have been paid.
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Rates and charges were originally adopted by council to generate the amount of revenue required to operate the utility. A comparison of the rates and charges of other municipally owned utilities have indicated that our rates are competitive.General Utilities
We do however, constantly review operations to improve and ensure efficiency. Because a specific amount of revenue is required for continued operation of our utility, reducing a rate in one area would require an increase in another area, unless there was another operational change made. -
General Utilities
Rates and charges were originally adopted by Council to generate the amount of revenue required to operate the utility. The $44.10 charge required for connection and/or disconnection was established at that time as well. This not only funds the gas and time required for account processing but also funds staffing, insurance, and other required costs to operate the utility.
Only one $44.10 fee is required for each trip made by our meter readers and this is always charged to new customers so it is possible to avoid the $44.10 disconnection fee if the new customer completes the process to establish a new account requiring only one trip into the field. The disadvantage to this approach is that the account remains the account holder’s responsibility until either they request service termination or the new customer establishes service. Therefore, we would advise that you check back with us to ensure that the new customer has come in to eliminate your future responsibility.
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General Utilities
Waste generated during construction that is not considered construction debris, such as lunch wrappings and so forth, will be picked up by the city’s Sanitation Department from the time construction begins. Solid waste is charged on all commercial water accounts at a minimum of $42.26 can service or the applicable dumpster rate as the need is determined.
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General Utilities
The City of Sebring followed the lead of Highlands County by assessing the solid waste fees on the tax roll. Because this is a more efficient means of billing and collection, it has enabled the City to reduce the solid waste charges for each resident from $15 per month to now only $12.75 per month.
$190 per residential unit is charged on the annual tax roll for all improved properties within the city limits. Because the city cannot police when a unit is occupied and the service must still be provided year round regardless of whether the unit is occupied or not, everyone is charged the same fair rate.
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Although a utility deposit is required for all active accounts, we will allow you to transfer your deposit from one location to another within a 30-day period without paying an additional deposit for the secondary service. However, any amount due on the current account must be paid in full so that there is a sufficient deposit on file to cover the charges to be generated on the new account.General Utilities
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All utility accounts require a signed application and legal identification to establish a contract protecting both the city and the customer. Utility customers must be of legal age to assume the responsibility and pledge to pay the monthly utility charges. This also allows us to protect the customer from someone else requesting a change in the account without the account holder’s consent.General Utilities
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The City of Sebring will extend water service outside city limits in areas where the city has potential to grow based on the availability of water, sufficiency of reserve capacity to support the existing water system, the economics of the extension of service, and other related factors. In doing so, the city requires that a Declaration of Covenant committing to annex should the city ever attempt to grow in that area.General Utilities
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Deposit requirements have been established by the City of Sebring Council to protect the city and its customers from absorbing the costs of uncollected utility charges. Every account allows a greater balance due as additional services are provided. Therefore, for each account, a deposit is required. We do however recognize that some customers have a proven outstanding payment history. Although we do not have a current policy in place that will allow us to waive deposit requirements or to refund them while an account remains active, but this will be something staff will be researching for future council consideration.General Utilities
Water Service
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It is a rare event when discolored water appears at your home or work, but it does happen. There can be many reasons, but discolored water usually originates in the water distribution system or private plumbing systems. Corrosion or rusting of the interior surfaces of metal pipes is a primary source of discoloration and particles that can appear in your water. There are several possible situations that can cause this material to be dislodged. The most probable of these causes are listed below along with the steps you can take to deal with a temporary problem.Water Service
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There are two main causes. The first possible cause is that there is an issue in the distribution system, such as:Water Service
- Main Breaks: Water is delivered to your home or business through a network of underground pipes referred to as the distribution system. The principal pipe or conduit is called a main. Water mains in this distribution system can fail due to age, corrosion, high pressure surges, defective materials, or damage by construction work. Fire hydrants can also be broken off by vehicles. When a main breaks, the increased velocity of the water can pick up dirt and other materials that normally settle to the bottom of the pipes.
- Dead Ends: every distribution system has mains that must be ended due to physical obstructions (rivers, roads, etc.) or city design features (sports complexes, cul-de-sacs,etc.). This results in a "dead end" that does not connect back with another main. Low usage in these areas results in sediment accumulation. Over time the lack of circulation can result in the appearance of discolored, foul tasting stale water.
- Fires and Fire Hydrants: the high velocity of water used to fight fires and to test fire hydrants can pick up sediment as described under Main Breaks.
- Construction Activities: sometimes mains must be replaced or cleaned. Also, new buildings require connection to the existing water main. These and other similar activities may disturb the accumulated sediment and result in temporarily dirty water.
- Hot-Water Systems: dirty water often originates in the hot-water tank. Hot water tanks can accumulate sediment and therefore need to be flushed clean.
- House Piping: defective plumbing can lead to many dirty water conditions. Pieces of rubber or plastic washers that age and crumble can result in particles in the water. Improperly joined dissimilar materials (such as iron and galvanized, or copper and iron) can accelerate corrosion and turn water red or green. Rapid shut-off of faucets or automatic valves in washing machines can cause tremendous pressure surges that dislodge material from pipe walls.
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Step 1: Determine the source of the dirty water. Is it the hot or the cold water?Water Service
- First try flushing the toilet, and look into the bowl. Since the toilet uses only cold water, if the bowl is clear, then the problem is with the hot water. If the bowl water is dirty, then the cold water is affected, and activities outside your home should be considered as the cause.
- If the hot water is the source, the hot water tank must be flushed clean, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If the cold water is the source, the cold water needs to be flushed. Don't continue to flush the toilet after the initial test. Don't use the hot water. Prevent further accumulations of sediment in the hot water tank by not using the hot water. If the dishwasher or clothes washer is running, stop it mid cycle until the water is cleared up. Step 2: Look Outside
- If distribution system repair or maintenance is under way, this way be the cause. Also look for street sweepers or anyone else using a fire hydrant.
- Open the cold-water faucet in the bathtub all the way open, full force, with the drain open, for about 15 minutes. Most dirty water situations will clear up in this time. If not, turn the water off, wait 10-15 minutes, and repeat the flushing again.
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Sorry, but no we do not. We are sometimes asked to give discounts for large families or for people who have new lawns or swimming pools, but our policy is to charge for the amount of water used. We think that's fair to all our customers.Water Service
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Absolutely contact the department at 863-471-5112 if you feel that your bill is incorrect. The City of Sebring works hard to ensure that all billings are 100% accurate. However, on occasion, mistakes in the billing process can occur. After all, we are only human. If you have any question regarding your billing amount, please contact us immediately so that we may take measures to ensure that your billing is accurate.Water Service
In the unfortunate event that we find that your bills have been inaccurate, the city will back bill or back credit your account for a period not exceeding 12 months. -
There are many possible reasons. Household guests or additional residents increase water consumption. Filling a swimming pool takes a tremendous amount of water. A hose left running on the lawn can waste hundreds of gallons. So may a constantly running toilet. Just a leaking faucet can waste 500 gallons of water per week!Water Service
In some cases, customers use a very small amount throughout the month and because we only bill per 1,000 gallons used, when the dial rolls over to 1,000 gallons, the charge will then appear on the monthly bill. -
Residents have the option of using a well rather than city water if desired. However, future connection back to the city water system may require sterilization of the residence because of possible contamination and a backflow preventer must be installed.Water Service
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The bill may be the same each month because we only bill per 1,000 gallons used, water consumption may fluctuate between 1-999 gallons without reflecting a change on the monthly water bill. For example, if 3,001 gallons are used during a billing period, the charge on the bill will be for 3,000 gallons. Likewise, if 3,999 gallons are used during a billing period, the charge on the bill will be for 3,000 gallons.Water Service
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This may be on account of additional water used during the billing period. In some cases, customers use a very small amount throughout the month and because we only bill per 1,000 gallons used, when the dial rolls over to 1,000 gallons, the charge will then appear on the monthly bill.Water Service
Automated Pick-up
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Automated collection is a system where garbage containers are emptied using a mechanical arm on the collection vehicle, instead of workers lifting and emptying cans by hand. The city’s automated collection service is made by one solid waste employee (driver) per truck; the manual system requires a 3 person crew (driver and two collectors).Automated Pick-up
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Each home was supplied with a specially designed wheeled container for garbage. Garbage will still be collected twice each week. On collection day, residents must ensure that the containers are set out in their proper location curbside, accessible by the new automated vehicle.Automated Pick-up
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Automated Pick-up
All household garbage items may be placed in the container. It is also recommended that garbage items be bagged and tied, then deposited in your container. This practice will keep your container cleaner and minimize odors. Do not load your container with hot ashes or coals, household hazardous waste or medical waste, paint, or any yard waste such as bagged or loose grass, leaves, or small branches.
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Each 96 gallon container will hold the equivalent of 3 normal trash cans. It is important that you place all household garbage inside the container so that the operator can utilize the mechanical arm to lift the container and empty it. The key to automated twice-a-week curbside service is the ability of the solid waste trucks to use the automated collection arm which picks up the container. This does not work if bags of garbage are placed outside of your container. Drivers will not exit the trucks to manually pick-up additional garbage not placed into the container.Automated Pick-up
Tip: If you have an unusual amount of garbage that will not fit in the city issued container for your upcoming pick-up: use an additional garbage container, that can be purchased at your local hardware store, to keep extra garbage in until you can place it in the city issued container on your next pick-up. -
Cardboard boxes and similar items should be cut up and broken so that they fit properly into the city issued container. Do not place those items outside of the container as the driver will not exit the truck to pick the item(s) up.Automated Pick-up
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Every container has a serial number so containers can be matched to each house address. Container problems associated with normal wear and tear will be repaired by the city. However, any containers that are stolen or damaged through neglect or misuse will be replaced at the property owners' expense.Automated Pick-up
Residents are responsible for routine maintenance, including keeping the containers clean, removing the containers from the street after collection, and storing the containers in a safe place. -
Your container is the property of the city. It is provided for this location only and must remain at this property. If you relocate to another location within the city limits, call our office to determine specifics about trash collection service (day(s) of service, for example).Automated Pick-up
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Your container is the property of the city. It is provided for this location only and must remain at this property. If you relocate to another location within the city limits, call our office to determine specifics about trash collection service (day(s) of service, for example).Automated Pick-up
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Should customers want to change the size of container, the city will provide the option of downgrading to a 64 gallon or 48 gallon container.Automated Pick-up
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The new automated trucks will only pick up the new containers, thus, your old cans cannot be used for household garbage.Automated Pick-up
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There may be several reasons that your garbage was not picked-up: 1. The container was not placed properly for the driver to safely pick up (sideways, backwards, too close to surrounding objects, too far from the edge of the road, etc.)Automated Pick-up
2. The container was overfilled and/or the lid not properly closed
3. There were items placed in the can that are not permitted
4. Garbage not placed in the city issued container
Building Permit Questions
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Any construction related work you do inside or outside requires a permitBuilding Permit Questions
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Roofing, fencing, driveways, remodeling inside or out, screen rooms, pools, decks. If in questions call office to check.Building Permit Questions
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Permit fees are based on valuation of the job.Building Permit Questions
Fire safety
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ABC 5#Fire safety
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Whenever a new business is opened, Before changing type of occupancies, Annually for certain occupancies.Fire safety
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Fill out web form or call fire station 863-471-5105Fire safety
Zoning
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Address your request in writing to the City Administrator. Be as specific as you can be with your plans for your property.Zoning
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There is an application on this page that you will need to fill out and submit in the Building Department. Staff will inform you of other steps you will need to take.Zoning
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Submit your request in writing to the City Administrator, being as specific as possible on what you plan for your property once it is annexed.Zoning
Types of Online Reports
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Types of Online Reports
When the property is lost and not stolen. If you think it could have been taken but do not have suspect information, you may enter the report online.
For example . . .
You left your wallet at the restaurant. You return to the restaurant and searched, but couldn’t find it. List the wallet and contents (cash, financial cards, driver’s license, etc) as separate items in the property sections.Don’t use Online Report if ...
You or a witness have information about a suspect (a name or even just a physical description).Call the non-emergency number at 863-471-5107 to have an officer come to your location to take the report. -
Types of Online Reports
When you are experiencing annoying calls and have no known suspects.
For example . . .
Hang-ups or heavy breathing.Don’t use Online Report if . . .
You are able to provide the phone number of the suspect from caller ID. Call the non-emergency number at 863-471-5107 to have an officer come to your location to take the report. -
Types of Online Reports
Vandalism is the act of changing, modifying or defacing public or private property.
For example . .
Knocking over mail box, throwing rocks through windows, marking/painting/scratching
of personal property, etc.Don’t use Online Report if . . .
Incident is in progress or just occurred within the last 5 minutes. Call the non-emergency number at 863-471-5107 to have an officer come to your location to take a report. -
Types of Online Reports
When property is stolen but there has been no illegal entry (burglary) or physical force (robbery) used by the suspect.
For example …
A bike is stolen from your front yard.
Your purse is stolen from your chair at a restaurant or open area.
Don’t use Online Report if…
Your home, business or other building (garage, shed, etc) has been illegally entered and property is taken.
Something was taken from you while you were wearing or carrying it.
Your vehicle is missing and you believe it has been stolen.
The total value taken in the theft is $750.00 or more.
Call the non-emergency number at 863-471-5107 to have an officer come to your location to take a report.
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Types of Online Reports
When personal information has bee compromised and an individual is using the information for financial or other criminal enterprises.
For Example…
Charges have appeared on a credit/debit card, without your knowledge or authorization, or your financial institution has contacted you regarding fraud on an account.
When credit issues are discovered and you need a report number to file with the credit bureaus.
Do not Online Report if…
A suspect is known or can be identified at the location of the fraud (i.e., video camera,etc.)
If you have supporting documentation/evidence that needs to be attached to the report.
Call the Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency number at 863-471-5107 to have a deputy come to your location to take a report.
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Types of Online Reports
The online reporting system may be used to report a vehicle burglary if someone entered your vehicle without permission and has taken property that doesn’t belong to them that is valued below $750.
For example…
You discover that someone entered your unlocked car/truck/SUV and stole $15 in change from a cup holder.
You discover that someone reached through the open window of your car/truck/SUV and stole your $150 sunglasses off the dashboard while you were at the park.
You discover that someone stole a hydraulic jack valued at a $100 out of the bed of your truck.
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Types of Online Reports
The online reporting system may be used to report miscellaneous crimes such as verbal neighbor disputes, civil disputes, landlord/tenant disputes, past suspicious incidents, etc.
For example…
You and your neighbor have an ongoing verbal disagreement over a tree that’s dropping limbs in your yard.
Your neighbor’s miniature poodle keeps using the bathroom in your yard.
Your landlord threatens to turn off your water/power as the result of not paying rent.
Yesterday you saw a car at the vacant house across the street and you don’t think it should have been there.