113 local rules on file · Pop. 16,276 · Orange County
Showing ordinances that apply to Southchase, FL
Southchase is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 16,276 in Orange County, Florida. Because Southchase is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Orange County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Orange County may have different rules.
Orange County contains Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones near Wekiva, Econlockhatchee, and Lake Apopka basins. Florida Forest Service monitors Keetch-Byram Drought Index and issues burn bans when fire danger is extreme.
Orange County requires property owners to maintain defensible space around structures in wildfire-prone areas. Grass, palmetto, and pine litter must be cleared under County Code Chapter 9 nuisance abatement.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Orange County ordinances.
Backyard recreational fires in Orange County are allowed in approved containers with a 25-foot structure setback. Charcoal and propane cooking fires are exempt from most restrictions but still subject to HOA rules.
Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep in Orange County require building permits and must meet same FL §515 barrier rules as in-ground pools. Pool walls 48+ inches high with removable ladder can satisfy barrier requirement.
Hot tubs and spas holding over 24 inches of water require Orange County permits. Lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 standard satisfies FL §515 barrier requirement without need for separate fence.
Orange County enforces FL §515 Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pool barriers must be minimum 48 inches high, non-climbable, with self-closing self-latching gates opening outward. At least one additional safety layer required.
Orange County requires building permits for all in-ground and above-ground pools exceeding 24 inches depth. Plans must meet FL Building Code Chapter 4 and FL §515 Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. Final inspection required before use.
Orange County pools must comply with Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Act anti-entrapment drain covers, FL §515 barrier rules, and FL Building Code Chapter 4 electrical bonding requirements. Pool alarms and door alarms widely used as second safety layer.
Tiny homes on foundations must meet Florida Building Code like any dwelling. Tiny homes on wheels are regulated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in most Orange County zoning districts.
Detached carports in unincorporated Orange County require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks. Open carports cannot be enclosed into a garage without separate permits and parking compliance.
Orange County allows accessory dwelling units on many single-family lots subject to zoning district, lot size, and owner-occupancy rules. Maximum ADU size is typically 800 square feet or 50% of primary dwelling.
Converting a garage into conditioned living space in Orange County requires building permits, replacement parking, and compliance with egress, insulation, and electrical codes. HOAs often prohibit visible conversions.
Sheds under 100 square feet in unincorporated Orange County generally do not require a building permit but must meet setback rules. Anything over 100 sq ft requires a permit and Florida Building Code wind-load compliance.
Orange County Code Chapter 5 limits residential properties to 4 dogs and 4 cats over the age of 4 months without a kennel license. Parcels of 1 acre or more with agricultural zoning may exceed this limit.
Feeding alligators, sandhill cranes, bears, and other native wildlife is prohibited under FL Statute 379.412 and Orange County Code. Alligator feeding is especially serious given Lake Apopka and Conway chain proximity.
Exotic pets are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under FL Chapter 379. Class I animals (big cats, bears, apes) are banned as pets; Class II and III require FWC permits.
Orange County Code Chapter 5 requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 8 feet whenever off the owner's property. Off-leash activity is only permitted inside designated Orange County dog parks.
Beekeeping is allowed throughout unincorporated Orange County under FL Statute 586.10, which preempts all local bans. Beekeepers must register annually with FDACS and follow state best management practices.
Orange County has NO breed-specific legislation. FL Statute 767.14 preempts all local breed bans statewide. Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based under FL Chapter 767.
Orange County may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning. FL right-to-farm law protects ag uses.
Family day care homes in unincorporated Orange County are permitted as home occupations but must be licensed by Florida DCF under FL Chapter 402 and registered with Orange County. Maximum 10 children allowed, including provider own children under 13.
Home-based businesses in Orange County cannot display commercial signs on residential property. FL §559.955 preserves local sign bans as protecting residential character, allowing only a small professional nameplate if any.
Orange County allows home-based businesses in residential districts as accessory uses under County Code §38. Business must be secondary to residential use, conducted by residents, and not change the character of the home.
Orange County requires a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for all home-based businesses in unincorporated areas. Home occupations are allowed as accessory use in residential zones provided business is clearly incidental to residential use, with no external evidence of business activity.
Orange County home occupations must not generate customer traffic exceeding residential norms. FL §559.955 preempts arbitrary bans but allows reasonable limits on parking and scheduled visits.
Florida Cottage Food Law (FL §500.80) allows Orange County residents to sell up to $250,000/year of non-hazardous homemade foods without a food establishment license. Direct-to-consumer sales and online shipping within Florida permitted.
Modified exhausts, loud stereos, and racing engines are prohibited under Orange County Code Chapter 15 and FL Statute 316.272. Sheriff's deputies enforce on state roads and I-4, I-Drive, and SR-408.
Aircraft noise from Orlando International Airport (MCO, Class B airspace) and Orlando Executive is preempted by the FAA. Orange County cannot regulate overflights but participates in the MCO Noise Abatement Program.
Orange County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Use is governed by the general Chapter 15 noise standards and the standard 7 AM to 7 PM construction and landscaping window.
Commercial properties adjacent to residential zones must keep noise below 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime at the property line. Loading docks, HVAC, and generators require screening or attenuation.
Construction in unincorporated Orange County is generally permitted Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. Sunday and federal holiday construction is prohibited in residential zones without a noise variance from the county.
Unincorporated Orange County enforces nighttime quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM under Chapter 15, Article III of the Orange County Code. Sound audible beyond property lines during these hours is a code violation subject to citation by Code Enforcement or the Sheriff.
Orange County Code Chapter 5 (Animals) prohibits habitual barking or howling that disturbs neighbors. Complaints are handled by Orange County Animal Services and may also be cited as a general noise nuisance under Chapter 15.
Amplified music audible beyond property lines is prohibited between 11 PM and 7 AM under Orange County Code Chapter 15. Special event permits are required for outdoor amplified events at venues outside the tourism corridor.
Orange County Code §9 treats noxious weeds and overgrown undergrowth over 18 inches as public nuisances subject to abatement. Invasive species like Brazilian pepper and air potato are targeted for removal.
Florida §373.185 protects homeowner rights to install Florida-Friendly Landscaping using native and drought-tolerant plants. HOAs cannot ban Florida-Friendly yards in Orange County.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged throughout Orange County. SJRWMD and Orange County Utilities offer rebates for rain barrels and cisterns as part of water conservation programs.
Artificial turf is permitted in unincorporated Orange County subject to drainage and design standards. HOAs may restrict aesthetics but cannot force natural grass if drought conditions justify turf under Florida-Friendly principles.
Unincorporated Orange County limits grass, weeds, and undergrowth to 18 inches on improved residential lots under County Code Chapter 9. Taller vegetation is declared a public nuisance and subject to abatement lien.
Florida §163.045 preempts most local tree trimming rules for residential properties. Orange County cannot require permits or documentation to prune trees on your own residence, though arboricultural standards still apply.
Orange County is in the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and limits landscape irrigation to 2 days per week. Watering is prohibited between 10 AM and 4 PM year-round.
Under FL §163.045, Orange County cannot require permits to remove residential trees when a certified arborist documents a danger. Specimen tree replacement may still apply for non-danger removals in some zones.
Orange County STR guests pay total 12.5 percent tax: 6 percent Orange County Tourist Development Tax plus 6.5 percent FL sales tax (6 percent state plus 0.5 percent county surtax). TDT remitted monthly to Orange County Comptroller.
Orange County STR ordinances require one off-street parking space per bedroom for vacation rentals. Street parking and grass parking prohibited. Rental listing must disclose parking capacity to guests.
Orange County STR registration requires proof of liability insurance with minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence covering transient rental use. Homeowner policies alone insufficient; commercial or STR-specific endorsements required.
Orange County does NOT impose minimum or maximum night caps on short-term rentals. FL §509.032(7) preempts local limits on duration and frequency of vacation rentals. Rentals of any length under 30 days are allowed.
Orange County caps STR occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, not exceeding FL Fire Marshal life-safety limits. Maximum occupancy must be posted inside unit and included in listings.
Orange County STR Certificate of Registration must be renewed annually. Application requires DBPR license, TDT account, local contact designation, insurance proof, and inspection. Registration fee applies per unit.
Orange County requires Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration for rentals under 30 days in unincorporated areas. FL §509.032 preempts outright STR bans. DBPR vacation rental license also required. Heavy Disney and theme park market drives significant STR activity.
Orange County applies quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM to short-term rentals. Operators must post noise rules conspicuously inside each rental unit. Repeated noise violations can trigger STR certificate suspension or revocation.
Orange County has no countywide overnight street parking ban in unincorporated areas. Individual subdivisions, HOAs, and CDDs commonly impose overnight parking restrictions. Private property owners may tow unauthorized vehicles per FL Statute 715.07.
Orange County follows FL Building Code and FL Statute 163.08 for EV charging infrastructure. New parking facilities over certain thresholds must include EV-ready spaces. No HOA may prohibit EV charging stations per FL 718.113 (condos) and 720.3075 (HOAs).
Orange County requires driveway connection permits through Public Works for any new or modified driveway accessing county roads. Residential driveways minimum 10 feet wide, maximum typically 24 feet. Impervious surface limits apply under stormwater rules.
Orange County Code Chapter 38 (Zoning) generally prohibits RV and boat storage in front yards of residential zones. Side and rear yard storage permitted with screening. Subdivisions and HOAs typically impose stricter rules. FL boat registration required under FL 327.
Orange County unincorporated areas generally allow on-street parking where not prohibited by signage. Parking prohibited within 15 feet of fire hydrants and 30 feet of stop signs per FL Statute 316.1945. Many subdivisions have HOA or CDD rules stricter than county code.
Orange County zoning code prohibits parking commercial vehicles over 1 ton in residential districts, with limited exceptions for service calls. Semi-trucks, trailers, and large commercial equipment banned from residential streets overnight.
Orange County Code Chapter 15 prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or wrecked vehicles on public and private property. Vehicles without current registration or unable to move under own power deemed junk. Removal authority under FL Statute 705.103.
Orange County requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet tall, pool barrier fences, and any fence in a flood zone or wetland buffer. Standard residential fences at or below 6 feet typically do not require a permit but must meet zoning.
Corner lots in unincorporated Orange County must maintain a clear sight triangle of 25 feet along each street frontage. Fences, hedges, and signs within the triangle cannot exceed 30 inches in height.
Wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link fences are all permitted in unincorporated Orange County. Barbed wire and electric fences are restricted to agricultural zones. All materials must meet Florida Building Code wind-load requirements.
Pool barrier fences must meet FL Statute 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act): minimum 48 inches high, self-closing and self-latching gates, and no openings a 4-inch sphere can pass through. Orange County permits and inspects all pool barriers.
Florida has no shared-cost fence law. Each Orange County property owner is responsible for fences on their own property. FL Statute 823.11 prohibits spite fences erected to annoy a neighbor.
Unincorporated Orange County limits residential fences to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards. Corner lots and waterfront parcels have additional visibility and shoreline setback rules.
Orange County HOAs collect assessments per FL §720.308. Late assessments accrue interest up to 18 percent, late fees up to greater of $25 or 5 percent. Unpaid assessments become lien on property; HOA can foreclose.
Orange County HOA disputes must first go through FL DBPR pre-suit mediation under FL §720.311 for covenant/election disputes. Arbitration available through DBPR Division of Condominiums. Small claims court available for assessment disputes.
HOA Architectural Review Committees (ARCs) in Orange County must follow FL §720.3035. Applications require written decision within time specified in governing docs or 45 days default. Denials must state specific reasons in writing.
Orange County HOAs governed by FL §720 Homeowners Association Act. Boards must provide 14 days written notice of meetings, allow member attendance, and post agendas conspicuously. Condos follow separate FL §718 procedures.
HOAs in Orange County enforce Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) under FL §720.305. Fines capped at $100 per day aggregate $1,000 unless governing docs authorize more. 14-day notice and hearing required before fines become collectible.
Orange County parks closed from sunset to sunrise unless posted otherwise or special permit issued. Chapter 10 prohibits entry to county parks during closed hours. Some regional parks have lighted areas with extended hours. Lake Apopka North Shore and conservation areas have strict dawn-to-dusk access.
Orange County Code Chapter 15, Article V establishes juvenile curfew for persons under 18. Curfew hours: 11 PM to 6 AM Sunday-Thursday, midnight to 6 AM Friday-Saturday. Exceptions for work, emergencies, accompanied by parent, or returning from school/religious/civic activities.
Political signs protected by First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Orange County permits political signs on private property without permit. Size typically limited to 32 square feet in residential zones. Signs must be removed within 7 days after election.
Holiday decorations on private property are generally not regulated by Orange County. Temporary displays for recognized holidays exempt from sign code. Displays creating traffic hazards, blocking sight triangles, or causing nuisance noise may be addressed under general nuisance code.
Garage sale signs allowed on sale property only. Signs in public right-of-way, on utility poles, or at intersections prohibited and subject to immediate removal under Chapter 31.5. Maximum sign size 4 square feet on private property.
Orange County Chapter 33 (Stormwater Management) requires on-site stormwater retention for all new development. Regulated by St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) boundaries. NPDES MS4 permit requires illicit discharge prevention.
Orange County requires grading permits for any earthwork exceeding 500 cubic yards or disturbing over 1 acre. Drainage plans must demonstrate no adverse impact on neighboring properties. SJRWMD Environmental Resource Permit required for most grading projects.
Orange County Chapter 33 requires erosion and sediment control plans for all construction over 1 acre. Silt fences, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances mandatory. FDEP and SJRWMD coordinate enforcement under NPDES Construction General Permit.
Orange County is a FEMA NFIP participant with floodplain management under Chapter 15. Inland flood risks from Lake Apopka, Lake Harris, Lake Butler, Lake Conway, Shingle Creek, Econlockhatchee River. Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus 1 foot freeboard required for new construction in SFHA.
Orange County Code Chapter 9 addresses nuisance properties, unsafe structures, and blight. Code Enforcement investigates complaints about overgrown lots, abandoned vehicles, accumulated debris, and derelict structures. Fines range from $100 to $500 per day for continuing violations.
Orange County permits garage sales without a permit but limits frequency to 4 sales per calendar year per residence, maximum 3 consecutive days each. Hours limited to 7 AM to 7 PM. Sales must occur on private residential property only.
Trash and recycling carts must be stored out of public view between collection days. Acceptable locations: behind fence, in garage, on side of house behind opaque screen. Orange County Code §9-148 enforces the screening requirement.
Vacant lot owners must maintain properties to same standards as improved lots: grass under 12 inches, no debris, no stagnant water. Orange County Code §9-153 allows county to mow and lien for cost plus administrative fee if owner fails to comply.
Snow clearing is not applicable in Orange County, Florida. Orlando-area Orange County receives no snowfall. However, Orange County Code Chapter 34 requires property owners to keep adjacent sidewalks clear of debris, overgrown vegetation, and fallen palm fronds under general nuisance rules.
Elevators in Orange County regulated by FL §399 Elevator Safety Act, enforced by FL DBPR Bureau of Elevator Safety. Annual inspections and certificates of operation required. ASME A17.1 safety code applies.
Pre-1978 housing in Orange County subject to federal EPA Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule and HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. FL DOH oversees lead poisoning prevention. No additional Orange County lead ordinance beyond federal/state.
Orange County requires building permits for scaffolding over 10 feet per FL Building Code Chapter 33 and OSHA 1926.451 standards. Scaffold erection in public rights-of-way requires right-of-way use permit from Orange County Public Works.
Orange County follows FL Chapter 482 (Structural Pest Control Act) administered by FDACS. Termite protection required for all new construction per FL Building Code 1816. Subterranean termites and Formosan termites are major concerns in central Florida.
Orange County requires building and electrical permits for rooftop solar installations under FL Building Code. FL Statute 163.04 protects property owner rights to install solar and prohibits local governments and HOAs from banning solar energy devices.
FL Statute 163.04 preempts HOA bans on solar energy devices. Orange County HOAs and CDDs cannot prohibit solar panels but may impose reasonable restrictions on location and aesthetics that do not impair system performance or significantly increase cost.
Orange County has NO rent control. FL Statute 125.0103 preempts local rent control except under declared housing emergency approved by voter referendum. Orange County voters approved rent stabilization ordinance in November 2022 but it was blocked by courts and never took effect.
Orange County follows Florida Statutes Chapter 83 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). No local just-cause eviction ordinance exists. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 15 days written notice per FL law, or nonrenewal at end of fixed-term lease without stated cause.
Orange County does not require general residential rental registration for long-term rentals. Short-term rentals (under 6 months) require separate county registration and business tax receipt. FL HB 1417 (2023) preempted local rental inspection and registration programs for long-term rentals.
Orange County zoning setbacks vary by district. Typical R-1 residential: 25 foot front, 7.5 foot side, 20 foot rear. R-2 and R-3 have smaller requirements. Accessory structures have separate reduced setbacks. Lakefront setbacks measured from ordinary high water line.
Orange County lot coverage limits vary by zoning district. R-1 typically 40 percent maximum building coverage, 60-65 percent total impervious. Floor area ratio (FAR) and open space requirements also apply. Stricter limits apply in wetland and conservation overlays.
Orange County residential height limits typically 35 feet in R-1, R-1A, R-2 districts. Accessory structures limited to 15-20 feet. Height measured from grade to mean roof height. MCO (Orlando International Airport) airspace regulations impose additional height limits in flight approach zones.
Carts must be placed at curb with wheels facing house, 3 feet from obstacles (mailboxes, vehicles, other carts). Place no earlier than 6 PM evening before collection, remove by end of collection day. Lids must close fully.
Orange County Utilities provides weekly solid waste collection to unincorporated residents. Trash collected once per week, recycling every other week, yard waste weekly. Service fee billed through annual property tax bill (non-ad valorem assessment).
Orange County provides 65-gallon recycling carts with biweekly collection. Accepted: paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/jugs #1-2, aluminum, steel cans, glass bottles. Not accepted: plastic bags, film, styrofoam, clothing, batteries. Contamination over 25 percent may result in cart rejection.
Orange County offers weekly bulk waste collection on yard waste day for unincorporated residents. Residents may set out up to 4 cubic yards per week. Household hazardous waste accepted free at McLeod Road and Porter Transfer Stations.
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Same airspace restrictions apply as recreational: MCO Class B requires LAANC or waiver, Disney TFR absolutely prohibits commercial flight within 3 nm of Disney parks without specific FAA authorization.
Recreational drone operation in Orange County is complicated by Orlando International Airport (MCO) Class B airspace covering most of the county and the Walt Disney World TFR (FDC NOTAM 9/5422) which permanently prohibits flight within 3 nautical miles of Disney parks up to 3,000 feet AGL.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors must register with Orange County and obtain solicitor identification card under Chapter 25. Application includes background check, photo, fingerprinting, and $50 fee. Permit valid for one year. Religious and political canvassing exempt under First Amendment.
Posted No Solicitation or No Trespassing signs carry legal weight under FL §810.09 (trespass after warning). Solicitors must leave immediately when requested or when posted signs are present. Charitable solicitations registered with FDACS may still apply.
Florida preempts local dispensary zoning under FL §381.986(11). Orange County must either ban all Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers or allow them wherever pharmacies are permitted. Orange County allows MMTCs in commercial zones on par with pharmacies with 500-foot separation from schools.
Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal throughout Florida including Orange County. Florida permits only medical cannabis through FL §381.986, with product distributed exclusively through licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers. Recreational cannabis remains illegal. Amendment 3 recreational legalization failed in November 2024.
Orange County Code Chapter 15 addresses light trespass as a potential nuisance. Residential outdoor lighting should not cause unreasonable illumination on neighboring properties. Typical standard: no more than 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines.
Orange County Code Chapter 38 includes lighting standards requiring full cutoff fixtures in new commercial and multi-family development. No countywide International Dark Sky designation but several parks have dark sky initiatives. Residential lighting must not create nuisance glare on neighbors.
Orange County requires mobile food vending licenses plus FL DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. FL Statute 509.102 preempts local regulation of mobile food dispensing vehicles except for zoning, hours, and safety. County business tax receipt also required.
Orange County Code Chapter 38 allows food truck operation in commercial and industrial zones. Residential zones prohibited except during permitted special events. Public parks require special event permit. ICE (I-Drive) tourist corridor has specific vending regulations.