§ 1-6. General penalty; continuing violations.

(a)

In this section, the phrase "violation of this Code" means any of the following:

(1)

Doing an act that is prohibited or made or declared unlawful, an offense or a misdemeanor by ordinance or by rule or regulation authorized by ordinance.

(2)

Failure to perform an act that is required to be performed by ordinance or by rule or regulation authorized by ordinance.

(3)

Failure to perform an act if the failure is declared a misdemeanor or an offense or unlawful by ordinance or by rule or regulation authorized by ordinance.

(b)

In this section, the phase "violation of this Code" does not include the failure of a county officer or county employee to perform an official duty unless the context requires otherwise.

(c)

Except as otherwise provided, a person who violates any provision of this Code or the land development code shall be prosecuted and punished in the manner provided by law under F.S. § 125.69, in county court, by code enforcement board procedure, or under any adopted code enforcement ordinance. For violations of this Code or the land development code that are continuous with respect to time, each day the violation continues is a separate offense in the absence of provisions to the contrary. The Pasco County Uniform Fine Schedule, including court costs, shall be the sole and exclusive schedule of fines when ordinance violations are prosecuted in county court.

(d)

The imposition of a penalty does not prevent revocation or suspension of a license, permit or franchise, the imposition of civil penalties or other administrative actions.

(e)

Violations of this Code or the land development code may be abated by injunctive or other equitable or civil relief, and no bond shall be required nor proof of intent or scienter. The imposition of a penalty does not prevent equitable relief.

(f)

The owner, tenant, or occupant of any land or structure or part thereof, and any architect, builder, contractor, agent, or other person who participates in, assists, directs, creates, or maintains any situation that is contrary to the requirements of any county ordinance may be held responsible for the violation and be subject to the penalties and remedies provided for in this Code.

(g)

Violations prosecuted in county court in the manner provided by law under F.S. § 125.69, shall be prosecuted pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 1-11 and by administrative order of the chief judge of the Sixth Judicial District.

(Ord. No. 00-05, § 2, 5-23-00)

State law reference

Penalty for ordinance violations, F.S. § 125.69.