Report Potholes & Sidewalk Repair - Tallahassee

Transportation Florida 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Florida

Tallahassee, Florida residents and property managers are responsible for reporting potholes and requesting sidewalk repairs so the city can address safety hazards and maintain public right-of-way. This guide explains who enforces rules, how to submit a report, what forms or permits may be required, common violations, and appeal options under the City of Tallahassee system. Use the official reporting channels and code references below to start a repair request.

How to report a pothole or damaged sidewalk

Report hazards immediately using the city's online problem-reporting tool or contact Public Works for urgent roadway or sidewalk safety issues. For property-owner responsibilities and ordinance language, consult the Tallahassee Code of Ordinances.[1] For reporting and scheduling repairs, use the City of Tallahassee Public Works reporting page.[2] The city also accepts submissions through the official citizen request portal for non-emergency maintenance.[3]

  • Contact Public Works for urgent hazards: call the number on the city reporting page or use the online form.
  • Submit a service request with photos, location, and owner information when available.
  • Keep records of your request ID and any responses for follow-up and appeals.
Report immediate safety hazards to Public Works right away.

Who is responsible

The city manages repairs within the public right-of-way; property owners may be responsible for sidewalks abutting their property depending on the ordinance language. See the municipal code for the controlling provisions and definitions of right-of-way, sidewalk, and owner obligations.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically by the City of Tallahassee through Public Works or code compliance units, which can issue orders to repair or abate hazardous conditions. Specific fine amounts, escalation tiers, and continuing-offence penalties are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page and must be confirmed on the ordinance text or by contacting code enforcement directly.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: repair orders, abatement actions, or referral to municipal court are the usual remedies described; exact procedures not fully detailed on the cited summary.[1]
  • Enforcer and inspection: City of Tallahassee Public Works and Code Compliance handle inspections and enforcement actions; use the official reporting contact to initiate inspection.[2]
  • Appeals and review: the municipal code references administrative review or municipal court processes; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Code Compliance.[1]

Applications & Forms

For most reports, no separate permit is required to request a pothole repair or a sidewalk inspection; use the city service request tool. For repairs that involve excavation, reconstruction, or work in the public right-of-way, a Right-of-Way permit or construction permit may be required—check Public Works permit pages or contact the permit office for current application forms and fees.[2]

Action steps

  • Document the defect: photograph location and measure size if safe to do so.
  • File an online report with the city portal including photos and location data.
  • Save the request number and follow up with Public Works if no response within the stated service timeline.
  • If you receive an enforcement order, review appeal deadlines and instructions on the order or contact Code Compliance immediately.
Keep copies of all correspondence and request numbers until the issue is closed.

FAQ

Who fixes sidewalks in Tallahassee?
The City addresses sidewalks in the public right-of-way and may require property owners to repair sidewalks abutting their property depending on ordinance responsibilities.
How do I report a pothole?
Submit a report using the City of Tallahassee online reporting tool or contact Public Works by phone for urgent hazards.
Are there fees to report a sidewalk hazard?
No fee is required to submit a service request; permit or construction fees may apply if you plan to do work that requires a right-of-way permit.

How-To

  1. Photograph the pothole or sidewalk damage and note the address or nearest intersection.
  2. Open the City of Tallahassee reporting portal and create a new service request with details and photos.[3]
  3. Record the request number and expected response time; follow up with Public Works if necessary.
  4. If required to perform work, apply for any Right-of-Way or construction permits before starting repairs.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the official city reporting tool to create an actionable record.
  • Public Works and Code Compliance enforce repairs and inspections.
  • Permits may be required for physical repairs within the right-of-way.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tallahassee Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  2. [2] City of Tallahassee Public Works - Streets
  3. [3] City of Tallahassee - Report a Problem / Service Request

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