Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code states that a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing …

There is no provision in the Florida Building Code regarding the inspection of a completed structure. When someone is cited for construction without a permit, a double permit fee will be imposed. If a stop-work order was issued, there is a $100 fee imposed as well.

Indian River County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zones 9b and 10a.

The exact amount a building needs to be set back from the property line will vary from one location to another. However, the required setback on the side is typically between 5 – 10 feet, while the front and back require around 10 – 20 feet at a minimum.

In general, your neighbour only has the right to build up to the boundary line (line of junction) between the two properties but there are circumstances when they can legitimately build on your land. You can give consent for them to build a new party wall and foundations on your land.

Generally, homeowners have no right to a view (or light or air), unless it has been granted in writing by a local ordinance or subdivision rule. The exception to this general rule is that someone may not deliberately and maliciously block another’s view with a structure that has no reasonable use to the owner.

Does your neighbour have a right to light? A right to light may be acquired by ‘anyone who has had uninterrupted use of something over someone else’s land for 20 years without consent, openly and without threat, and without interruption for more than a year.

If you think your neighbour’s tree is dangerous, you can report it to the council – for example if you think it might fall over. They might ask the owner to make it safe or deal with it themselves. Search for ‘trees’ on your council’s website to find which department to contact.

In law you are entitled to cut off any branches overhanging your property provided you return them to the owners. Entering someone’s property, without permission, to cut a tree would undoubtedly be illegal. You may need to take matters to court.

You cannot force your neighbour to remove overhanging branches or fallen leaves on your property. However if these cause excessive damage, you can sue them for the cost of repair.

If my neighbor’s tree branches hang over my yard, can I trim them? Yes. By law, you have the right to trim branches and limbs that extend past the property line. You may not go onto the neighbor’s property or destroy the tree.

The best methods for killing a tree without felling it are to spray the base of the tree with Tordon, cut gashes in the tree trunk that are then filled with herbicide, removing a ring of bark around the tree, or drilling holes into the tree trunk before injecting them with herbicide.

Copper nails do the trick but without the lasting damage.

1. Near the base of the target tree, hammer in a copper nail at a slight angle pointing downward.
2. Continue hammering nails in a ring around the tree, about one-half inch apart.
3. Cover nail heads with mud, if necessary.

Use the 4th of July to cover up blowing your neighbor’s tree up with fireworks. Best way to kill a tree. Every night for about a week, pour a quart of Muriatic Acid around the base of the tree. Be cautious that you don’t stand downwind as it will smoke and will burn your eyes or breathing it will harm your lungs.