Sanitary Nuisances
A sanitary nuisance is the commission of any act, by an individual, municipality, organization, or corporation; or the keeping, maintaining, propagation, existence, or permission of anything, by which the health or life of an individual, or the health or lives of individuals, may be threatened or impaired, or by which or through which, directly or indirectly, disease may be caused.
File a sanitary nuisance Report
The Florida Department of Health in Indian River County (DOH-Indian River) is authorized to investigate reports of sanitary nuisance. If conditions are determined to be a sanitary nuisance, DOH-Indian River may take such action in accordance with Florida law.
A sanitary nuisance can include:
- Creation, maintenance, or causing of any condition capable of breeding flies, mosquitoes, or other arthropods capable of transmitting diseases, directly or indirectly to humans
- Untreated or improperly treated human waste, garbage, offal, dead animals, and noisome odors which are harmful to humans
- Improperly built or maintained septic tanks, water closets, or privies
Facility and Other Complaints
DOH-Indian River staff respond to complaints regarding facilities permitted by the department. Indoor air quality complaints, especially pertaining to mold, are common.