Sec. 388.307. - Citations; Form and service of citation.

(a) Whenever a law enforcement officer has reasonable cause to believe that a vessel exists on the waters of the county in violation of this Part, after notification of violation and after the time period for the opportunity for the violator to correct the violation, if required, such officer has the authority to issue a citation consistent with this Part. (b) If the owner, operator, or other person legally responsible for the vessel is known or ascertained by reasonable effort, service of a citation shall be effectuated upon such person by: (1) Certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last address listed in vessel registration record for the state of registration; if the vessel is not registered, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address listed in the tax collector's office for tax notices or to the address listed in the County property appraiser's database. If the vessel is owned by a corporation, citations may be provided by certified mail to the registered agent of the corporation. If any citation sent by certified mail is not signed as received within 15 days after the postmarked date of mailing, the citation may be posted in a weatherproof covering in a conspicuous location upon the vessel; (2) Hand delivery by the sheriff or other law enforcement officer; (3) Certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person's usual place of residence, if known; or leaving the citation at the person's usual place of residence with any person residing therein who is above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents of the citation; or (4) In the case of commercial premises, leaving the citation with the manager or other person in charge. (c) A citation issued under this Part shall contain: (1) The date and time of issuance. (2) The name and address of the person to whom the citation is issued. (3) The date and time the infraction was committed. (4) G.P.S. coordinates and a general description of the location of the violation. (5) The facts constituting reasonable cause to believe the violation has been committed. (6) The number or Section of the Ordinance Code which has been violated. (7) The name and authority of the officer issuing the citation. (8) The procedure for the person to follow in order to pay the civil penalty or to contest the citation, which may include a reference to the Jacksonville.gov webpage that contains such information. (9) The applicable civil penalty if the person elects to contest the citation, and the applicable civil penalty if the person elects not to contest the citation. (10) A conspicuous statement that if the person fails to pay the civil penalty within the time allowed, or fails to appear in court to contest the citation, he or she shall be deemed to have waived the right to contest the citation and that, in such case, judgement may be entered against the person for an amount up to the maximum civil penalty. (11) A conspicuous statement that in addition to any penalties under law, the City may recover from the owner, operator, or other person legally responsible for the vessel, for all costs incurred by the City to abate the violation, as described in Section 388.103 (l), Ordinance Code, which may include costs to relocate, remove, store, destroy or dispose of a vessel; costs to remediate or mitigate damage or threatened damage to the environment caused by the violation; costs to remediate or mitigate litter or debris caused by the violation; and the costs of enforcement of this Part. (e) Within five days after issuing a citation, the issuing officer shall deposit the original and one copy of the citation with the County Court and shall transmit a copy of the citation to the Director of the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, or designee. (f) The County Court in and for the Fourth Judicial Circuit is the Court of competent jurisdiction for citations issued pursuant to this Part. (Ord. 2025-432-E , § 5)