What is the Martin County Code?

The Martin County Code is the collection of all of the ordinances adopted over many years, now professionally published or "codified" by Municipal Code Corporation, a company that specializes in the publication of local codes. While the Martin County Code has been codified since 1972, it was substantially reorganized in 2002 as follows:

• Volume 1: Code of Ordinances (General Ordinances)
• Volume 2: Land Development Regulations
• Volume 3: Comprehensive Growth Management Plan
• Volume 3: Uncodified Comprehensive Plan Figures

Zoning and Related Maps   -  Maps that are not published in the Code itself but which help carry out zoning and other County regulations.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Code, contact Municode Corporation http://www.municode.com to do so.

New ordinances are submitted regularly to Municipal Code Corporation for codification, but it may take up to six months before a new ordinance is codified and distributed in an update to Code subscribers. It is important to check for any recently adopted ordinances.

About Martin County's Code & Ordinances

Martin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and thus derives its power and authority from the provisions of state law. Pursuant to Section 125.01(1), Florida Statutes, the County may adopt ordinances and resolutions necessary for the exercise of its powers and prescribe fines and penalties for the violation for such ordinances.

What is an ordinance?

An ordinance has the authority of law by itself, but is best thought of as the "vehicle" for amending the Martin County Code. The ordinance identifies: Who is amending the Code; Why it's being amended; What the proposed amendments are; and when the amendments are to take effect.

An ordinance may be requested by individual commissioners, Constitutional Officers (Sheriff, Clerk, Judges), County Departments, and members of the public (through the Board of County Commissioners).

How is an ordinance adopted?

A draft ordinance is taken to the Board for permission to advertise a Public Hearing. A Legal Ad is published in the Stuart News at least ten (10) days prior to the Public Hearing under "Legal Notices." Some zoning ordinances require a "block ad" advertised two (2) times for two (2) public hearings, separate from the "Legal Notices" section. At the public hearing(s). the proposed ordinance is considered by the Board of County Commissioners, with input (oral or written) from members of the public. If adopted by a majority of the Commissioners, the ordinance passes and is filed with the Florida Secretary of State. It becomes effective then, or at a later date if specified within the ordinance.