Property disputes with neighbors can be challenging, so you need to be aware of the laws that can help resolve these issues in Florida. Some common property disputes include noise ordinance violations, tree disputes, fence issues, and those involving farms.
In Florida, each county and city may follow specific noise ordinance laws. These laws set limits on the acceptable noise levels during particular hours of the day. If a neighbor is causing excessive noise, you may file a complaint with the local law enforcement agency, which can take appropriate action if the noise levels are found to be in violation of local ordinances.
Example
In Florida, a family moves into a quiet residential neighborhood. Soon after, they notice that their next-door neighbor often plays loud music during late-night hours, disrupting their sleep and causing considerable distress. The family decides to address the situation and resolve the issue.
First, the family checks the local noise ordinance for the county, which states that between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, noise levels should not exceed 55 decibels (dB) in residential areas. They also find out that their local law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing the noise ordinance in their neighborhood.
Before taking any legal action, the family attempts to resolve the issue amicably. They talk to their neighbor and explain their concerns about the late-night noise. The neighbor initially agrees to lower the volume, but after a few days, the loud music returns.
To gather evidence, the family starts to document the disturbances, noting the date, time, and duration of each noise violation. They also purchase a decibel meter to measure the noise levels and find that the late-night music often exceeds 65 dB, a clear violation of the county’s noise ordinance.
After gathering sufficient evidence, the family files a formal complaint with the local law enforcement agency, providing their documentation and decibel readings. The agency investigates the complaint, sending an officer to the neighborhood during the late-night hours when the music is typically played.
Upon finding that the neighbor’s noise levels indeed violate the county’s noise ordinance, the officer issues a warning to the neighbor and informs them of the potential consequences of continued violations, including fines and legal action.
However, if the neighbor continues to disregard the noise ordinance, the family can file another complaint with the law enforcement agency, providing updated documentation and evidence. The agency may then issue a citation or fine, which could escalate with each subsequent violation. In some cases, the family may need to pursue a lawsuit to seek an injunction, ordering the neighbor to cease their excessive noise.
Throughout this process, the family can consult with a Florida real estate attorney who handles noise ordinance disputes. Consulting with a Florida real estate attorney can ensure they fully understand their rights, the local laws, and the most effective course of action to resolve the issue.
Laws on Trees
Tree disputes often involve overhanging branches and root damage.
In Florida, you have the right to trim branches or roots that encroach upon your property up to the property line. However, you must exercise reasonable care not to damage the tree or your neighbor’s property.
Reasonable care refers to the standard of care that a prudent and cautious person would exercise in a similar situation. When trimming branches or roots of a tree encroaching upon your property, reasonable care involves taking precautions to ensure the tree’s health is not jeopardized and your neighbor’s property is not damaged.
This may include the following:
- Trimming during the appropriate season to prevent unnecessary stress on the tree.
- Using proper pruning techniques to avoid harm to the tree.
- Consulting with an arborist to ensure the trimming will not negatively impact the tree’s health.
- Notifying your neighbor about your intentions and discussing any concerns they may have.
If you fail to exercise reasonable care and damage the tree, you may be held liable for the damages. Your neighbor could seek compensation for the loss in property value due to the damaged tree, the cost of restoring the tree to its prior condition, or the cost of removing and replacing the tree if it is beyond saving.
Example
Imagine a scenario where a large oak tree in your neighbor’s yard has branches extending over your property. These branches are dropping leaves into your swimming pool, causing maintenance issues and obstructing sunlight. You decide to trim the branches back to the property line.
Before doing so, you notify your neighbor of your intentions, and they express concerns about the tree’s health. To ensure you are taking reasonable care, you hire a professional arborist to assess the situation and recommend the best approach to trimming the branches without causing harm to the tree.
However, during the trimming process, you accidentally cut a significant limb that the arborist advised against removing. As a result, the tree becomes unstable and a risk to your neighbor’s property. Your neighbor then hires another arborist to assess the damage, who determines that the tree must be removed and replaced to ensure safety.
In this situation, your neighbor could seek compensation for the costs associated with removing the damaged tree, planting a new one, and any loss in property value due to the loss of the mature oak tree. If you and your neighbor cannot reach an agreement, they may file a lawsuit against you for damages caused by your failure to exercise reasonable care during the trimming process.
This example can also be reversed. Likewise, if your neighbor’s tree causes damage to your property, you may seek compensation for the damage caused.
Laws on Fences
Florida property line laws dictate that fences must be built within the property boundaries.
If a neighbor’s fence is infringing on your property line rights, you can start by discussing the issue with your neighbor. If this fails, you can take legal action by sending a demand letter or filing a lawsuit for trespass, nuisance, or removal of the encroaching fence.
Laws on Farms
Florida’s Right to Farm Act protects farm operations from nuisance lawsuits, provided they follow generally accepted agricultural practices and are not violating any laws. However, if a farm’s activities are causing harm to your property or enjoyment, you may still have legal options to seek compensation or an injunction to stop the harmful activities.
Do I Need a Florida Real Estate Lawyer?
While it’s possible to resolve some property disputes without legal assistance, hiring a real estate lawyer in Florida can help ensure you understand your rights, navigate complex laws, and pursue the best course of action for your situation.
If you’re facing a property dispute in Florida, consider consulting with an experienced real estate attorney to help protect your rights and interests.
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