Code Compliance Officer – STR (Short Term Rentals Specialization)

Town of Fort Myers Beach Florida•Fort Myers Beach, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Town is seeking a Code Compliance Officer with a specialization in Short-Term Rentals (STR) to serve as a key member of the Code Compliance team and a primary point of contact for residents, visitors, and STR owners/operators regarding STR compliance. This field-forward role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, public-facing environment and enjoys combining education with enforcement. You will play a vital role in responding to STR-related concerns, conducting inspections, documenting conditions, building enforcement-ready case files, and guiding owners/operators and property managers toward timely, voluntary compliance with applicable Town ordinances and nuisance-related requirements. The position also supports emergency preparedness, response, recovery, post disaster operations, damage assessment activities, and continuity of operations efforts.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in code compliance, code enforcement, investigations, zoning enforcement, building inspections, public safety, regulatory compliance, municipal operations, STR compliance/operations, or a related field preferred.
State of Florida Driver's License required.
Certification by the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) Fundamentals of Code Enforcement required or must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment.
All required education and certifications must be maintained current and valid.
Government or municipal experience preferred.
Knowledge of Town ordinances and municipal codes applicable to short-term rentals (STRs), including nuisance-related regulations (e.g., noise, parking, solid waste/sanitation, occupancy-related provisions as applicable).
Knowledge of zoning/land development concepts and how they apply to STR regulation and compliance determinations (as applicable to STR enforcement).
Working knowledge of Florida Statutes Chapter 162 and standard code enforcement processes (case initiation, notices, hearings, compliance deadlines, and escalation).
Knowledge of inspection and investigative practices, including complaint intake, site verification, interviewing/witness statements, evidence preservation, and documentation standards.
Knowledge of customer service, conflict resolution, and de-escalation principles for professional interaction with residents, guests, owners/operators, and property managers.
Knowledge of records management and documentation requirements, including hearing-ready case preparation and maintaining accurate case files.
Knowledge of office and field technology used in enforcement work, including case management/enforcement software, permitting systems (as needed), databases, mobile devices, and digital photo/video documentation tools.
Knowledge of basic emergency response roles and post-disaster field operations support (e.g., damage assessment support, restricted access support, continuity of operations tasks as assigned).
Skill in conducting STR-focused field inspections and site observations, documenting conditions clearly and accurately (photos, notes, measurements/observations as applicable).
Skill in investigating STR-related complaints, identifying indicators of non-compliance (e.g., unregistered activity, advertisements, nuisance impacts), and determining next enforcement steps.
Skill in producing clear, concise written documentation, including notices, warnings/citations (as authorized), affidavits, case summaries, and hearing packets.
Skill in verbal communication and public education, explaining requirements and compliance pathways to achieve voluntary correction when appropriate.
Skill in conflict management and de-escalation, maintaining composure and professionalism during difficult or confrontational interactions.
Skill in time management and case tracking, including managing multiple open cases, prioritizing fieldwork, meeting deadlines, and conducting timely follow-ups.
Skill in interdepartmental coordination, working effectively with the Town Attorney, Town departments, law enforcement, and outside agencies on STR enforcement actions.
Skill in using technology and digital systems to enter case activity, maintain evidence, and support accurate reporting and retrieval of records.
Ability to interpret and apply ordinances and procedures consistently and fairly, using sound judgment in enforcement decisions and recommendations.
Ability to work independently in the field, plan daily workload, and adapt to changing priorities and complaint volume.
Ability to gather, evaluate, and preserve evidence sufficient to support enforcement actions and hearings, including providing credible testimony when required.
Ability to maintain accurate, organized, and confidential records, including sensitive information, in accordance with policy and public-records expectations.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with residents, businesses, owners/operators, property managers/local contacts, coworkers, and partner agencies.
Ability to work in stressful conditions, including emergency activations, extended hours, and post-disaster field environments as directed.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions, adhere to SOPs, and maintain professional standards of conduct, integrity, and customer service.
Ability to perform the physical and environmental demands of the role (frequent outdoor fieldwork; walking/standing; uneven terrain; lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs; exposure to heat, sun, rain, wind; and situational hazards such as traffic or debris areas).
Tasks involve frequent fieldwork, including prolonged walking and standing during inspections and investigations.
Tasks involve repeated entry/exit from vehicles and walking on uneven surfaces (e.g., sand, grass, gravel, curbs, stairs/steps) in the course of site visits.
Tasks involve some unassisted lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
Tasks involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, reaching, and balancing to observe, access, and document conditions.
Tasks may require prolonged periods of visual concentration, including use of mobile devices/cameras and computer screens for documentation and casework.
Tasks are performed frequently outdoors and are performed occasionally in adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, sun exposure, wind, and rain.
Tasks may be performed on uneven terrain and in potentially dangerous environments, including around traffic, construction/debris areas, or unsanitary conditions (e.g., trash, standing water, pests/animals).
Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
Task requires oral communications ability.

Nice To Haves

ICC Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector preferred.
Government or municipal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform investigative, enforcement, compliance, follow-up, and public education duties primarily related to STR violations and STR-related nuisance impacts.
Conduct field inspections, site visits, and property investigations to verify compliance with STR-related Town codes/ordinances, zoning/land use requirements (as applicable), and related municipal regulations.
Investigate STR complaints and conditions such as unregistered/incompliant STR activity, occupancy concerns, parking impacts, noise, trash/sanitation concerns, outdoor events/parties, advertised STR activity indicators, and other ordinance violations connected to STR operations as assigned.
Gather, review, interpret, document, and maintain photographs, witness statements, inspection reports, evidence, case files, and related documentation for STR enforcement actions and hearings.
Issue notices, warnings, citations, notices of violation, notices to appear, and other enforcement documentation as authorized and warranted; tracks deadlines and compliance milestones.
Conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance and closure of violations; coordinates corrective actions with responsible parties.
Communicate professionally with owners, property managers/local contacts, occupants/guests, neighbors, businesses, and the public; promotes voluntary compliance through education and clear explanation of requirements.
Utilize conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques during difficult interactions while maintaining professionalism and composure.
Prepare reports, affidavits, case summaries, enforcement documentation, and hearing-ready case packets.
Attend Special Magistrate hearings, Code Enforcement Board hearings, court proceedings, and related meetings as directed; may provide testimony regarding STR enforcement cases.
Coordinate with the Town Attorney, Town Departments, law enforcement, and other governmental agencies regarding STR compliance matters and enforcement actions.
Utilize enforcement/case management software, permitting systems, mobile technology, databases, and digital records systems to document inspections, violations, evidence, and case actions; maintains accurate records and files.
Assist with community outreach, education, and response to STR-related inquiries/complaints as assigned.
Support hurricane preparedness, emergency response, disaster recovery, damage assessment, restricted access support, and post-disaster compliance activities as assigned.
Assist with other non-STR code compliance cases/items as needed/assigned.
Attends assigned meetings, training sessions, and events.
Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance with low deductibles and annual maximums.
The Town covers 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Gym membership reimbursement.
Employees accrue paid leave monthly.
Sick leave.
Birthday benefit annually.
The Town observes 14 paid holidays.
Supportive, team-oriented environment.
Immediate vesting in a 401(a)/457(b) pension plan with generous employer contributions.