Special Magistrates have jurisdiction to hear violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County

View Code Enforcement Special Magistrate (CESM) Events

These Special Magistrates have jurisdiction to hear violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County's housing, building, zoning and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards, burglar false alarm ordinance and natural resources regulations, the water restriction ordinance, and red light camera appeals; and vehicle for hire and trespass towing ordinance.

Membership:

The Special Magistrates shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and shall be comprised of four Magistrates. Whenever possible, Magistrates should represent the following categories:

  • Architect
  • Businessperson
  • Engineer
  • General Contractor
  • Subcontractor
  • Realtor
Magistrates must have experience in one of the following areas:
  • Law, Codes, Enforcement, Construction and Land Use
  • Water Resource Ordinances
  • Burglar False Alarm Ordinances and Land Development Program
  • Zoning Signs and Minimum Standards Ordinances
  • Vehicle for Hire and Trespass Towing Ordinances

Terms:

Special Magistrates shall serve three year terms. After two consecutive terms, a Magistrate shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Special Requirements:

Annual financial disclosure is required.
Unincorporated residency is required.

Authority:

Chapter 162, F.S. and HC Code of Ordinances and Laws, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14.

Meetings:

Brandon Regional Service Center - Town Hall, #101 located at 311 Pauls Dr. in Brandon. Unless otherwise noted, hearings are held monthly on the day specified.

2024 schedule

  • Natural Resources - 1st Friday, 9 AM
  • Community Codes - 2nd Friday, 9 AM
  • Other codes - burglar false alarms, water resources, and right-of-way - 2nd Friday, 1:30 PM
  • Red Light Cameras - 3rd Friday, 9 AM
  • Vehicle for Hire (VFH) & Trespass Towing (TT) - 4th Friday, 1:30 PM

2025 schedule

  • Landscaping and VFH/TT - 1st Friday, 9 AM
    • This includes landscaping, natural resources, vehicle for hire (VFH), and trespass tow violations
  • Community Codes - East County - 2nd Friday, 9 AM
  • Community Codes - West County - 3rd Friday, 9 AM
    • Held at the Town 'N Country Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa, FL 33615
  • Other Code Violation Hearings - 4th Friday, 1:30 PM
    • This includes burglar false alarms, water resources, Fire Marshal, right-of-way (ROW), and stormwater violations
  • Red Light Appeals - 2nd Thursday, 9 AM
  • Red School Speed Zones Appeals - 2nd Thursday, 1:30 PM
Events
December 2024
Last Modified: 11/7/2024, 9:55:58 PM
Contact
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate
Sonia O. Rodriguez - Hearings Manager
(813) 272-7181
Office
Email
Work
Members
Mr. Brian Lorentzen
5/15/2019 - 1/19/2026 *
Mr. Philip McDonald
6/16/2021 - 1/17/2027 *
Mr. Thomas Santarlas
Businessperson
1/17/2024 - 1/17/2027
Mr. Roger Verszyla
4/19/2023 - 4/19/2026

* reappointed

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