Helpful Information

Panhandling. Don’t contribute to the problem.

The City of Pompano Beach cares about their residents and visitors. Panhandling has become more prevalent and is an inherently dangerous activity that takes place on the streets and intersections of S. Florida. Motorists that engage in supporting panhandling ultimately place themselves and the solicitor at extreme risk.

The best thing you can do to help panhandlers is to donate funds to non-profit organizations whose mission is to help people in need, such as individuals experiencing homelessness. There are a number of organizations that provide assistance to the homeless. Moreover, these organizations are governed by a Board of Directors and have annual audits to account for their spending. Therefore, when you donate you can be assured your money will be used for the purposes intended.

If you are considering donating for charitable purposes and want to know what organizations you can give to, the following is a list of organizations that the City provides grants to on an annual basis:

Broward Sheriffs Office Homeless Resource Guide

The Broward Sheriffs Office has put together a helpful guide of resources available to the homeless. To view the guide please see this link.

Group Home

What is a group home?
A “group home” is referred to in the Zoning Regulations as a “Community Residence” or a “Recovery Community.” A “Community Residence” is a residential use that provides a family- style residence for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, the frail elderly, people in recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction, and others with a disability that severely limit their ability to perform some of the everyday life tasks most of us take for granted. A “Recovery Community” is a larger aggregation of people in recovery, generally in multi-family structures, that do not emulate a biological family.

A “Community Residence” is either classified as a “Family Community Residence,” or a “Transitional Community Residence.” The relatively permanent Family Community Residence is allowed as a permitted use in single-family residential zoning districts; however, Transitional Community Residences (since they are more akin to the sort of housing for which multi-family districts were designed) warrant a case-by-case review if they are proposed in a single-family district and thus require a special exception in certain areas. Multi-family zoning districts will allow all community residences, provided that the proposed home complies with the adopted distance separation standards and is licensed or certified.

What rules apply to “group homes”?
In the City of Pompano Beach “group homes” are required to have a state license or state certification, group homes that are not licensed by a state agency must seek approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals, by way of a Special Exception in order to operate. They are required, pursuant to Florida State Statutes and the City of Pompano Beach Code of Ordinances, to be separated from similar homes. Refer to the Ordinance 2018-60, for more details.

Are “group homes” allowed in single family neighborhoods?
Yes, state licensed group homes are allowed in single family neighborhoods as long as they are in compliance with the required minimum distance separation from another group home. A group home which is not license or certified by a state agency or doesn’t comply with the minimum distance separation may be permitted in single family neighborhoods; however, they must seek approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals, by way of a Special Exception in order to operate.

A “Community Residence” is either classified as a “Family Community Residence,” or a “Transitional Community Residence.” The relatively permanent Family Community Residence is allowed as a permitted use in single-family residential zoning districts; however, Transitional Community Residences (since they are more akin to the sort of housing for which multi-family districts were designed) warrant a case-by-case review if they are proposed in a single-family district and thus require a special exception in certain areas. Multi-family zoning districts will allow all community residences, provided that the proposed home complies with the adopted distance separation standards and is licensed or certified.

Are there separation requirements for “group homes”?
Community Residences and Recovery Communities are subject to distance separation requirements from other similar uses so as to avoid clustering and altering the character of the neighborhood. A group home doesn’t comply with the minimum distance separation may be permitted in single family neighborhoods; however, they must seek approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals, by way of a Special Exception in order to operate.

Are sober homes regulated?
Five Florida agencies license different types of community residences for people with disabilities, but not all disabilities are covered by the state. The state does not license recovery communities. The State of Florida has, however, established a voluntary certification program for the operators of such recovery residences and recovery communities. The City of Pompano Beach requires certification, or successfully obtaining a Special Exception if they are not licensed or certified, in order to maintain a group home. Failure to prove licensing or certification will result in revocation of the existing zoning approval and trigger a reasonable 60-day period to close down and relocate occupants to a proper residential or institutional setting.

What can the city do if a “group home” is causing problems in the neighborhood?
If the group home has been approved as a “Community Residence” or “Recovery Community,” depending on the issue, the City will contact the state licensing agency. Depending on the problems being caused, the City will send the appropriate Staff to investigate the problem. If the problem is illegal activity, BSO will be sent to investigate. If the problem is a City Code violation, the property owner will likely be cited by Code Compliance and scheduled for a hearing in front of the City’s Special Magistrate.

Who can I call if the group home is causing problems in the neighborhood?
The most common complaints the City receives, as well as the City department’s contact information, are available on the "Complaints: Who to Contact” tab. Complaints regarding Noise are also available on the “Noise” tab. Please review these pages and contact the responsible department. If the complaint is not listed, please email Businesstaxreceipt@copbfl.com

Golf Carts

According to the Broward Sheriffs Office, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic it appears more Pompano Beach residence have begun to purchase golf carts. Golf carts poses a unique traffic hazard on the roadway if not properly equipped or operated in regards to Florida State Statute 316.2126 F.S... In order to operate a golf cart Florida requires:

• Golf carts must be equipped with efficient brakes, Reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear, Headlight, brake light, turning signals, and a windshield.
• Golf carts MAY NOT be operated on a public road or street by any person under the age 14 years.
• If operated on a public road or street the operator must possess a valid driver license.

With spring and summer upcoming soon and students staying home and not in school. It’s a possibility we will see a spike in golf carts being operated. I propose we get ahead by creating a pamphlet to educate residence who own golf carts of the traffic laws that pertain to operating a golf cart on a public road or street, and more importantly the safe hazards and concerns it may cause if operated inappropriately or if operated by minors. Furthermore residence will be notified in the pamphlet that traffic law enforcement will be enforced. So Uniform Traffic Citations are as follows:

• 316.212-1 Improper operation on certain roadways. Point assessment (3), fine- $60
• 316.212-5 Improper operation between sunset and sunrise. Point assessment (3), fine- $60
• 316.212-7 Person under the age 14 operating on public road. No point assessment, fine $30

For more information please see this document from the Florida Department of Highway Safely and Motor Vehicles.

Northwest Community Building and Empowerment

Northwest Community Building and Empowerment

Parking Tickets, Residential Parking Permits & Oceanside Parking Passes

To purchase residential parking permits or Oceanside lot parking passes please contact our parking office at the phone number below. Parking tickets may be paid online at www.copbfl.nupark.com/portal or in person at this address:

3460 NE 3rd Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
(954) 786-5580

Vulnerable Population Registry

The Vulnerable Population Registration was designed as a joint partnership between all municipalities and Broward County to assist emergency responders to better plan for future recoveries from hurricanes and other disasters. Registering into the database should not be considered as a guarantee that you will be provided services or be placed on a priority list for emergency responders; however, it will help us to be better prepared to respond after a disaster. To register visit www.broward.org/atrisk.

Call SHINE

SHINE provides free, unbiased and confidential health insurance counseling through a network of volunteer counselors. SHINE counselors empower Florida seniors to make informed healthcare choices. CALL: 954-545-7795 (Pompano Beach) (Broward County) 954-745-9779

Division of Consumer Services

Cable Television companies, such as Comcast, are franchises that are regulated through the State of Florida. If you have complaints or concerns, please contact state's Division of Consumer Services via their website, or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).

Florida Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program

Evest Flyer
Ygrene Works Flyer

Other Links

Education & Learning

• ABE / GED / ESOL Programs in Pompano
• Broward County Schools
• Community Schools
• Pompano Beach School Renovations

Health & Safety

• Area Hospitals
• Pompano Beach Fire Department
• Mosquito Prevention Information - English
• Mosquito Prevention Information - Spanish

Government & Public Services

• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Social Security Office
• Pompano Beach Libraries
• Street Maintenance Request
• Strategic Plan Performance Program
• Northwest Community Building and Empowerment
• Florida Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program
• Ygrene Works Flyer

Local News & Media

• Sun Sentinel