Highlands County, FL Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

109 is the operative authority behind a housing inspection request in the unincorporated area: it directs the housing official to make or cause to be made inspections to determine the condition of residential buildings and premises in the interest of safeguarding the health and safety of the occupants of such buildings and of the general public, and it authorizes the housing official or an agent to enter, examine, and survey at all reasonable times all residential buildings and premises. The same section obligates the owner, occupant, or person in charge of a residential building to give the housing official free access for that purpose.

108, the Highlands County Building Official is appointed the housing official and may enter a building without prior consent when there is reasonable cause to believe a code violation makes it unsafe, first presenting credentials if the property is occupied or seeking an inspection warrant if entry is refused. 2 requires the finding to be referred to the code enforcement official, who gives notice of the alleged violation to the responsible party, and the alleged violation is treated as a nuisance. 112 gives any person who receives written notice of deficiencies 30 days to file that appeal in writing, stating the property's location, the notice date and number, and the requested relief.