The Police Department is responsible for maintaining the safety of the City’s residents and visitors. In addition to its traditional community policing responsibility, the Police Department is also responsible for Animal Control and Code Compliance in the City.

Policing

It is the mission of the City of Lake Helen Police Department to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens of Lake Helen, to reduce the incidence and fear of crime, and to enhance public safety. Our officers are interested in your safety and they are proud of the work they do.

Code Compliance

The primary function of Code Compliance is to identify and correct violations of the city of Lake Helen Codes and Ordinances and other similar regulations, such as those dealing with lot maintenance and junk vehicles. Our officers operate primarily on a reactive basis. That means they concentrate on responding to citizen complaints, rather than randomly searching for violations. A recent state law change now requires a person to provide his or her name and address when submitting a complaint, and any information you provide will become public record.

As per state mandate any individual wishing to file a complaint must fill out a Compliance Complaint form. If you have further questions please contact the Administrative Assistant at (386) 228-2145.

Code Compliance officers have the means for enforcement actions; if necessary, violations will be prosecuted before the Magistrate. Special Magistrate hearings are held on an as-needed basis contact the City Administrator for more information.

Animal Control

Officers promote responsible pet ownership and enforce both local ordinances and Florida State Statutes such as pet registration requirements, responsible pet ordinance, dangerous dog classification investigation and crimes against animals.

Domestic and Feral Animal

Removal or relocating of nuisance domesticated or feral animals such as a cat or dog located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. To help reduce the feral population citizens can participate in the Trap/Neuter/Return for more information call (386) 323-3575.

Wildlife

Removal or relocating of nuisance wildlife such as snake, raccoon, opossum, alligator, etc located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Alligators are considered a nuisance when they are more than four feet in length, and are determined to be a threat to the welfare of the public, or the public’s pets, livestock, or property. If you need to report a nuisance alligator, call toll-free, 1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides a list of Wildlife Trappers as a public service and are not recommended, regulated or endorsed. Most trappers charge a fee for their services. Comparison shopping is recommended.

Golf Cart Registration

The city of Lake Helen is a golf-cart friendly community. Individuals wishing to ride golf carts on city road must register their golf cart with the Lake Helen Police Department.

As per Lake Helen Codes & Ordinance 11.06.00 – All golf carts must meet the city of Lake Helen code requirements. Additionally, all operators of golf carts on public streets within the city limits of Lake Helen must possess a valid operator’s license. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic violation infraction, punishable pursuant to F.S. chs. 318 and 322.

If you wish to register your golf-cart or have further questions please contact the Administrative Assistant at (386) 228-2145.

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