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Fire-Rescue Department

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1. How often should I check my smoke detector?

Battery operated smoke detectors should have their batteries changed twice a year. We like to remind people change the battery when the time changes in April and October.

2. Do I need a smoke detector?

Yes, every home should have and is now required to have smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 40% of all home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, while 23% resulted from homes in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate.

3. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

Only homes with fuel fired equipment are encouraged to provide carbon monoxide detectors. Examples of fuel fire equipment are any appliances that use natural gas, LP gas or fuel oils as the fuel source. Electric appliances would not be included among those.

4. My child thinks playing with fire is fascinating. What can I do to teach him/her the dangers of playing with fire?

Children’s playing with matches is a very serious concern of fire officials across the nation. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that "Most (65%) child-playing home fires were started with lighters or matches. July was the peak month for outdoor fire-play. Most of these fires involved fireworks." If you suspect that a child has such a fascination, contact Dennis Marshall at 407-539-6228 or by email. Intervention requires involving professionals with specialized training. Such training is usually provided at no cost.

5. Does the Fire Department offer Flu Vaccine?

Yes, and it is free with most insurances and Part B Medicare. An appointment is not necessary, but is recommended during regular non-business hours. This service is only offered at Fire Station 45, 1776 Independence Lane.

6. Do you host birthday parties for boys and girls?

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department is unable to host birthday parties due to the number of emergency responses. We do welcome children and adults that wish to take a tour of the fire station and look at the emergency vehicles. If you would like to come by please call Fire Administration at 407-539-6226 to schedule a convenient time. Tours and truck demos are subject to emergency calls.

7. How can I get a copy of my medical records?

Access to medical records are regulated by Florida Statutes. The Maitland Fire Rescue Department will assist all persons requesting such records by calling Norma Jean Torres at 407-539-6229.

8. The fire engine or rescue truck just went through a signal light with its lights and siren on, then shut them off after they were through the intersection. Why do they do this?

Many times after being dispatched to a call for help, circumstances change as additional information is discovered by 911 call takers. From time to time, that means changing the response to the initial call for help, which sometimes results in reducing responding units from an emergency response to a non-emergency mode; sometimes it even means cancelling a unit. Occasionally, when that reduction or cancellation occurs, units are at or near traffic intersections when such action takes place. In the interest of public safety, responding units make those adjustments as soon as notified.

9. What do I do if I am driving and I see a fire engine or rescue coming up behind me blowing its horn and flashing its lights?

Florida law (316.126) requires that motorists immediately proceed to a position parallel to, and as close as reasonable to the closest edge of the curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by any law enforcement officer."

10. I smell something, but I'm not sure what it is. I want you to come check it out, but I don't think it's an emergency. What number do I call?

Whenever an emergency situation, whether real or perceived exists fire officials agree that the best thing to do is to use the emergency response system in your area. In the greater Central Florida region that means dialing ’911’. Historically, delay of notification for such incidents have resulted in very serious outcomes.

11. How do I make a donation to the Department?

Voluntary donations to the Maitland Fire Rescue Department have resulted in many benefits over past years and are much appreciated by officials. If you would like to make such a donation, please contact Fire Administration at 407-539-6229.

12. I'm interested in a career as a firefighter/paramedic. Can I ride along with you for the day?

The Maitland Fire Department is has a program where interested persons can come and see how we work through facility tours and talks. We also encourage such persons interested in a firefighter/paramedic career to ride along with us. Interested persons should email Fire Administration for a Ride Along Application Packet. There is a fee of $24 for a background check.

13. Why did another agency respond to my 911 call?

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department participates in a regional program known as the ’Joint Response’ program. Agencies participating in that program in addition to Maitland Fire Department are Orange County Fire Rescue, Winter Park Fire Department, and all agencies of Seminole County. The purpose of this program is to provide persons in need of help, the most expedient service available by the closest available unit, regardless of which agency is represented.

14. Will being transported by the paramedics speed up my emergency room wait?

No, there is no valid basis for that assumption. When you arrive a the hospital emergency room, you are evaluated by emergency room staff and then assigned to a waiting room or bed depending upon the seriousness of your condition. Dialing 911 does not mean you will be seen before other patients.

15. Why did the fire engine respond with the rescue for my medical call?

The answer to this question is resource deployment. Most medical (EMS) calls for service demand that more than two responders be present. The most effective use of resources is to provide the best level of response possible through the two units being deployed and that means the resources not needed can be made available sooner for subsequent calls for service.

16. Can the engine crew help me with a medical need?

Yes, and in some cases, those not requiring complete advanced life support level of service, an engine company (fire truck and crew) will do just that.

17. What do the firefighters do when they are not on a call?

This varies from agency to agency depending upon many factors, but in Maitland, firefighters not involved with emergency responses do many things valuable to the residents and visitors of Maitland. As an example, being prepared for emergency calls demands that the department do a great deal of training. That training involves not only responses to medical emergencies (70 to 80% of most agencies) and fires, but also vehicle crashes, hazardous materials, bomb threats, construction accidents, to note just a few. Firefighters, in addition to spending a great deal of time maintaining their emergency equipment, also provide general wellness checks at fire stations through blood pressure screening, flu shots, public speaking and demonstration programs.

18. How do I properly dispose of unwanted medications?

Please see our Properly Dispose of Unwanted Medications page for detailed information and instructions for properly disposing of medications.

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Local Business Tax Receipts

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1. What is a local business tax receipt?

The method by which the City Council grants the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession or occupation within its jurisdiction.

2. Why do I need a professional tax receipt?

Any profession regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or any board or commission thereof, the Florida Supreme Court, the Florida Department of Insurance, or the Florida Department of Banking and Finance, must exhibit an active state certificate, registration, or license, or proof of copy of the same.

3. Who must have a local business tax receipt and professional tax receipt?

Any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the City, for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession or occupation within the City. After receiving your local business tax receipt from the City you must obtain one from Orange County.

4. How much are business tax receipt fees?

Registration Fees

Type	Fee
Residential (Home-Based Business)	$10
Non-Residential ( 0 to 1,000 Square Feet)	$25
Non-Residential ( Over 1,000 Square Feet)	$35

Business Tax Receipt Fee (Per Year)

The fee for October through September is $154.26. Prorated quarterly:

Month	Fee
January	$115.70
April	$77.13
July*	$38.56

Professional Local Business Tax Receipt Fee

The professional local business tax receipt fee is $15.43. This is the fee per person in a Maitland business who needs a  license or certification to perform their job duties (see City Code section 9-14.1.)

5. What are the due dates and penalties for business tax receipt invoices?

The State of Florida has established the tax year as October 1 through September 30. Invoices for the next tax year are mailed the last week of June and are due September 30 or the next business day thereafter, should September 30 fall on a weekend. Penalties are then added as follows:

Payment Date	Penalty Due
Paid on or After October 1	Additional 10% Penalty Due
Paid on or After November 1	Additional 5% Penalty Due (15%)
Paid on or After December 1	Additional 5% Penalty Due (20%)
Paid on or After January 1	Additional 5% Penalty Due (25%)
Paid February 1 through February 28	Additional $250 Penalty Due (In Addition to the 25% Penalty). Further action may be taken through Code Enforcement for any operating business that fails to pay after this point.

Failure to receive an invoice is not a valid reason for nonpayment of your local business tax.

6. How do I know if my location is in the city limits of Maitland?

Please visit the Orange County Property Appraiser’s website to search for your location address. Some locations with a Maitland mailing address are actually in Seminole County and not part of the City of Maitland. If your location is not in the City of Maitland, you will need to contact the appropriate taxing authority for your location to obtain a local business tax receipt.

7. I work from my home, do I need a local business tax receipt?

Yes, any business that is in the city must have a receipt.

8. Customers don’t visit my business location, or I don’t sell goods directly to customers, do I need a local business tax receipt?

Yes, every business entity listed with the State of Florida that is located in the City of Maitland needs to obtain a local business tax receipt. This includes corporate entities that have been set up as holding/investment/"pass-through" entities.

9. I don’t consider my legal entity to be a “business” – property or other assets are owned under that legal name. Do I need a local business tax receipt?

Yes, every business entity listed with the State of Florida that is located in the City of Maitland needs to obtain a local business tax receipt. This includes corporate entities that have been set up as holding/investment/"pass-through" entities.

10. How do I apply for a local business tax receipt?

For local business tax receipt information, send an email to btr@itsmymaitland.com or call 407-539-6213. Application for a local Business Tax Receipt are made through the Online Permitting website:  www.itsmymaitland.com/btr

11. How long will it take to get my local business tax receipt after I have paid for it?

The applications go through an approval process and may take up to two weeks to process. Please check with the Planning and Zoning Department by calling 407-539-6215 to verify that your business is an approved use for your zoning location prior to completing the application.

12. I have just moved to Maitland, will I need a Maitland local business tax receipt?

Yes. You will need to obtain a receipt from Maitland and from Orange County. Please notify your previous city and county that you have moved.

13. After I receive my Maitland tax receipt, will I need any other tax receipts?

Yes, you will need to obtain an Orange County local business tax receipt after you have your Maitland tax receipt. You may call 407-836-5650 or visit the Orange County Tax Collector’s website for more information.

14. I was recently notified that I needed to obtain a local business tax receipt, but my business was already operating. Do I need to pay for previous years?

Yes. You will be responsible for payment of up to three previous years’ business tax, plus the current year. After obtaining your Maitland business tax receipt, Orange County may also require payment of previous years’ taxes.

15. Do I have to display my local business tax receipt?

Yes. Your business tax receipt(s) must be displayed conspicuously at the place of business so that it is visible to the public. It must be available for inspection. When not operating from a fixed place of business the person shall keep the business tax receipt upon his/her person at all times while engaging in the business, occupation, or profession for which it is issued.

16. What is a fictitious name and do I need one?

If your business will use any name other than the owner’s legal name or a properly registered corporate name, a fictitious name (also referred to as a D/B/A) must be registered with the state. Each D/B/A will need a receipt. Additional information is available from the Florida Department of State Fictitious Name Registration:
P.O. Box 1300
Tallahassee, FL 32302

You may visit the Division of Corporations website or call them at 850-245-6058.

17. I am over 65, am I exempt?

Persons 65 years of age or older, with not more than one employee or helper, and who use only their own capital, not in excess of $1,000, may engage in any business or occupation in counties in which they live without being required to pay a business tax. Proof of the right to the exemption shall be made. Any person entitled to the exemption shall upon application and furnishing of the proof will be issued a receipt.

18. Are non-profit organizations exempt?

A charitable non-profit with a copy of their 501C3 letter from the Internal Revenue Service is exempt from the tax, but not from registering with the City. Please note that not every not-for-profit corporation meets the criteria to be exempt from tax. Further information can be found in the City’s Code of Ordinances Section 9 - 1.

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Pick-Up Days & Observed Holidays

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1. What are my pick-up days?

View the Pick-Up Days and Observed Holidays page to see your pick-up days by street.

2. How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?

Review the Seminole County Government website to learn how to properly dispose of household hazardous waste.

3. How do I report a missed pick-up?

Email Customer Services or call them at 407-539-6265. Be sure to provide:

• The address
• Your name
• A contact number or e-mail
• What type of pick-up was missed

4. I have a bulk item, how do I arrange for pick-up?

Single-Family

For single-family residences, bulk item pick-up will be collected on your recycling day. To schedule a pick-up, please email Customer Services or call them at 407-539-6265 prior to your recycling day. Acceptable items include:

• Mattresses
• Refrigerators
• Sofas
• Tables
• Televisions

Commercial & Multi-Family

Commercial and multi-family customers should call the City at 407-539-6265.

5. I am not sure what I can put in my recycling cart, what are the rules?

The blue 64-gallon cart is provided for your single-family residential household recyclables collection. The following materials are accepted:

• All plastics except Styrofoam and film bags
• All types of paper products
• Aluminum cans and foil
• Aseptic containers and gable-top containers (i.e. milk or juice cartons, drink boxes)
• Flattened cardboard (i.e. cereal boxes with plastic taken out)
• For pieces larger than cart, please flatten and tie in bundle not greater than 3 by 3 feet.
• Glass bottles and jars (clear, green and brown)
• Newspaper
• Steel/bi-metal cans

Please note: Remember to rinse all containers.

6. When does my garbage, yard waste or recycling need to be placed for collection?

Place your garbage and recycling carts and yard waste at the curb by 7 am on collection day with the cart handles and the wheels facing the house. Do not place the carts within 3 feet of objects as this will interfere with automated collection for garbage and recycling. Objects include:

• Fire hydrants
• Low hanging trees
• Mailboxes
• Parked vehicles
• Poles
• Other containers

7. Are there specific rules for residential yard waste?

Yard waste may be bundled or containerized. Grass clippings, leaves, and other loose vegetative material are to be placed in containers not to exceed forty pounds in weight. Bundles are not to exceed four feet in length and fifty pounds in weight, and individual limbs and branches are not to exceed six inches in diameter. All residential yard waste must be placed curbside within three feet of the edge of the traveled portion of the roadway. Yard waste is collected on Wednesdays.

Examples of Yard Waste

Yard waste consists of:

• Brush
• Grass
• Leaves
• Logs
• Palm fronds
• Shrubbery cuttings
• Tree limbs
• Other such matter attending the care of lawns, shrubbery, vines, and trees

Items Not Considered Yard Waste

Items not considered yard waste include:

• Dirt
• Flower pots
• Landscape timbers
• Mulch
• Wood fencing
• Yard decorations

8. My refuse was not picked up and I received a tag stating it was not in compliance, how do I resolve this issue?

Please call the City at 407-539-6265 or email Customer Services. Please have the tag handy or provide the information listed on the tag.

9. I have electronics and other items I would like to dispose of, how to I dispose of these items?

The easiest way to dispose of those items is by bringing them to the Seminole County Transfer Station. Televisions can be accepted on your bulk waste day.

10. What are the City’s rules about holidays?

The following are holidays when there will be no collection service:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• The Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If your collection day falls on a holiday, your garbage will be collected on your next scheduled service day. If the holiday falls on your recycle or yard waste collection day please visit the home page as an alternate day will be established as needed.

11. There is a dead animal in the right of way, how do I report this?

Dead animals in the City’s right of ways are handled by Orange County Animal Services. You can email Orange County Animal Services or call them at 407-254-9150.

12. I have a general question, how can I get an answer?

Email Customer Services or call them at 407-539-6265.

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Police Department - Red Light Camera Infractions

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1. Why does the City elect to use Traffic Enforcement Cameras?

Keeping our citizens and visitors safe as they travel the streets of Maitland is a priority for our City. According to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a study of large cities with longstanding programs found that cameras reduced the fatal red light running crash rate by 24% and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 17%. (IIHS January 24, 2013).

The goal of this program is to reduce red light running violations, red light crashes, and red light injury crashes in a cost effective way to make the City of Maitland’s roadways safer for our citizens and visitors.

2. I was sent a Notice of Violation - why did I get this?

Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red light violation. As the owner of the vehicle, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you. For every violation captured by the camera, a member of the Maitland Police Department reviews the video and approves the issuance of the Notice of Violation before it is mailed to you.

3. The still photographs on the Notice of Violation show me stopped at the line, why did I get a ticket?

The still photographs are taken at the same time as the violation. The still photographs show the car at the stop bar and after to illustrate the color of the light. 

The video will show the moving violation. Please review the video for the violation itself.

4. I was issued a red light ticket, but I was not driving the car at the time of the violation?

The statute makes a presumption that the registered owner of the vehicle was the driver of the car. If you were not the driver of the car, you have the option of filling out an affidavit provided with your Notice of Violation to swear under oath who was driving the car. If you do not fill out the affidavit, you will be the person who answers for the violation. 

Ultimately, the statute does not require the City to prove who was actually driving the car.

5. How do I contest the charges?

You must come down to the Maitland Police Department in person and fill out a formal request to contest the charges. Florida Law requires that certain information be relayed to you regarding your choice, and this will be done at the Police Department. The Maitland Police Department is located at:
1837 Fennell Street
Maitland, FL 32751

Please note: The Maitland Police Department will not accept requests for hearings by mail.

6. How do I pay for the violation?

To pay your citation, go to the Citation Processing Center website. You will be required to enter your citation and PIN number which is on the top right portion of your Notice of Violation. You can also view the incident on this site. 

If you feel uncomfortable following the directions online, or do not have access to a computer, the Police Department can also accept payments if you appear in person at:
1837 Fennell Street
Maitland, FL 32751

7. How do I assert an allowable defense?

Follow the instructions on the back of your Notice of Violation, and make sure the document is notarized.

8. What if I elect to have a hearing but need to change the date or I change my mind?

Once you elect to contest a hearing, if you need to change the date or change your mind, there is a $50 cancellation fee set by statute. If you need to change the date, you must do so within 5 days of the set hearing date by writing and deliver to the Maitland Police Department.

9. Do I need a lawyer to represent me in front of the Local Hearing Officer?

You can choose to retain a lawyer if you wish to be represented or you can represent yourself. The choice is yours. The hearing will be an administrative hearing and not a formal court hearing.

The rules of evidence do not apply at this hearing, so you or whoever represents you, will not make any formal legal objections. The hearing officer will simply watch the video, listen to what the person charged wants to say, listen to any additional witnesses, and make a finding based on what was presented. The decision to retain a lawyer is up to you.

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Police Pre-Screen Application

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1. What is the best advice that you can give me on filling out my application?

Read the instructions, be as thorough and truthful as possible.

Your application will not be considered if it is not completed correctly. Also, it is imperative that applicants really think about the questions asked in the application. We find that many applicants leave out vital information such as terminations, disciplines, and arrests, which if listed would not have affected their processing. You will be eliminated from the process if it is discovered that you falsified your application.

2. How long does it take for my application to be screened, and how will I be notified?

Approximately 60 days.

If it is determined that you are a viable candidate for a position and positions are available, you will be sent an Initial Testing Notice (and a full application for sworn positions). If we do not have any openings or testing is not available at the time that we receive your application, then you will receive a letter in the mail which will inform you of your status.

3. Can I call and find out the status of my application or processing?

No

Due to the tremendous volume of applications we receive daily, we ask that you do not contact us to inquire about the status of your application or your processing. You will continue to be notified about your status as applicable.

4. Can I mail my application to the Maitland Police Department?

Yes. The mailing address is both on the application itself and available online:

David Manuel, Chief of Police
Recruiting and Training Section
1837 Fennell Street
Maitland, FL 32751
Phone: 407-539-6261

If you mail your application, we will not be able to inform you over the phone that we received it. If you want to make sure that your application was received, you need to drop if off to our office.

5. What do I do if I have a change of address, employer or any other information after I turn in my application or while I'm processing?

Send the change in writing.

If you have a change of address, phone number, a new employer, or need to add other information, please submit the change in writing to the address listed below. For a new employer, we need the employer name, date starting with new employer, address, phone number, and supervisor’s name. We also need the reason for leaving your last employer and last day of employment.

Maitland Police Department
Recruiting and Training Section
1776 Independence Lane
Maitland, FL 32751

6. How long does it take to complete the testing/processing?

The amount of time varies.

The following is an estimate and could be different depending on the availability of background investigators, recruiters, and business necessity:

• Police Officer Candidate: 60 days

7. Will I be notified if I am not selected for the position? When can I apply again?

Yes, you will receive a letter, during the next hiring cycle.

8. What can I do to make myself a more qualified applicant for a sworn position?

If you are certified, try applying to different departments and obtain at least two years of experience. If you are not certified, attend a basic law enforcement academy.

Some of the preferred qualifications that we look for in an applicant are: higher education, military experience, law enforcement related employment, stable work history and a good driving record. The following offer basic law enforcement academy training:

• Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola Phone: 407-344-5080 ext. 264
• Seminole Community College Phone: 407-328-4722 ext. 3220
• Valencia Community College Phone: 407-299-5000

9. How can I find out about other openings?

Contact our Professional Standards Division at 407-539-6224.

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Public Works - Administration

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1. Who do I contact for water or wastewater utility service?

Call 407-539-6200 (pick Utility Billing) or email us Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm. For emergency services after 5 pm call 407-539-6262.

2. Who do I contact for repairs of streets, street signs, street lights?

Call the Public Works Department at 407-539-6252 or fill out our Residential Repair Request Form.

3. Garbage/yard trash pick up schedule? Special pick up schedule?

Call 407-539-6278 or visit the Solid Waste page for information.

4. Where can I obtain a right-of-way permit?

Visit Maitland's online permitting service for right-of-way utilization permits and petitions for right-of-way/utility easement abandonments.

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Water Division

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1. Does the City of Maitland put fluoride in the drinking water?

Yes. The City of Maitland adds fluoride to the already existing natural fluoride levels found in groundwater, to maintain an average residual rate of one part per million (1.0 ppm) City-wide.

2. What is the level of hardness in the water?

Hardness is rated on a scale of 0 to 300 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of calcium carbonate. The City of Maitland’s drinking water measured at 150 mg/L is considered to be in the moderate category of 75 to 150.

3. How can I turn off my water in an emergency?

Typically, when houses are constructed, a shut off valve is installed at the closest hose bib to the water meter. Most of the time, this valve has been buried over the years and doesn’t work. It can be anywhere from inches to feet deep. If you have a leak inside the house, it is very important to have this valve located to avoid any damage to the property.

4. I never see anyone reading my water meter, how can I be sure that it is being read?

In 1987 the City of Maitland went to a new "electronic" method of reading meters. A wire is connected to the register that sends an electronic reading to a touchpad. When the meter readers touch this pad, the signal is sent to a handheld computer system that records the data for that particular meter. Each meter has its own unique number so that the reads do not get mixed up.

5. What pressures does the City maintain in its water system?

Depending on the time of day, and the demand for water, system pressures range from 50 to 70 pound per square inch (psi).

6. What do I need to do to get an irrigation meter?

An irrigation meter can be applied for at the Maitland Annex through the building department. Fees start at $1,035 plus application fees. Once we receive the paperwork from the building department, it takes anywhere from two to six weeks to have the meter installed. This meter is locked off until it has been inspected for proper irrigation system installation.