Do you have a neighbor with old mattresses piling up outside, ruining your morning coffee view, but you don’t want to be the one who snitches? There is a service for that.
SNITCH—an organization launched by well-known politician, activist, and entrepreneur Chaz Stevens—does the dirty work for you, reporting the code violation anonymously so you can stay blissfully unaware… and just as outraged as everyone else.
Known for his relentless activism, Stevens has launched the SNITCH initiative to protect whistleblowers from retaliation when reporting code violations.
The service, aptly named SNITCH, allows residents to report local code infractions without disclosing their identities. This sidesteps a controversial Florida law requiring complainants to provide personal information.
To date, Stevens tells Margate Talk service has helped with daily issues — small things that add up over time. “Think blocked sidewalks, open trenches, junk in yards, construction dust, or illegal rentals. These may not make headlines, but they affect how a neighborhood feels.”
Florida’s Senate Bill 60, enacted in 2021, prohibits anonymous code enforcement complaints unless the violation threatens public health or safety. Critics argue the law discourages accountability, effectively silencing concerned residents who fear repercussions from neighbors or local authorities.
Enter SNITCH, which provides an anonymous workaround by allowing Stevens to file complaints under his name on behalf of paying clients – checkmate Tallahassee!
“Growing up, silence was never an option when I saw unfairness,” Stevens tells Margate Talk, “When neighbors weaponized local code enforcement to settle personal scores, while serious violations went unchecked, I knew I had to act. That’s how SNITCH was born—to restore balance and give people a voice without fear of retribution.”
SNITCH collects residents’ reports, verifies the claims’ validity, and files official complaints under Stevens’ name. The service ensures compliance with Florida law while protecting individuals from possible backlash.
Currently, SNITCH operates throughout Florida and is expanding into California and Oregon. States like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Virginia are considering similar legislative changes.
Stevens, a successful entrepreneur with a history of launching advocacy-driven businesses, believes SNITCH follows the same ethical principles as his previous ventures.
“From CarGuyz to ESADoggy, I’ve always built platforms that solve real-world problems. SNITCH is no different—it exists to support fair enforcement and improve community standards.”
Stevens argues that SB 60 was not designed to improve code enforcement but to shield influential individuals from scrutiny. “This law wasn’t about better governance—it was about a lawmaker who didn’t like being reported by his neighbors,” he stated.
“That’s not policy. That’s personal frustration turned into public law.”
Stevens tells Margate Talk that many residents want cleaner, safer neighborhoods but fear retaliation if they report violations. After all, looking at unkept lawns and garbage piling up on the side of a house is a pain but not as much of an annoyance as worrying about one’s safety and dealing with a general expectation of retaliation, however petty.
“People don’t want to start feuds with their neighbors. That fear leads to silence, and silence leads to neglect.”
So far, SNITCH has not faced legal challenges, though Stevens is prepared should the need arise. “I’ve successfully represented myself in both state and federal court. A strongly worded letter won’t make us fold.”
Stevens says he remains open to working alongside local governments, stating, “If a city refuses to accept SNITCH complaints, we won’t force the issue—we’ll simply operate elsewhere. We’re here for results, not red tape.”
Early data suggests that SNITCH is primarily used for everyday issues such as blocked sidewalks, illegal short-term rentals, excessive junk in yards, and unkempt properties. “People don’t want to confront their neighbor over an eyesore, but they also don’t want to live next to it,” Stevens said. “Cities prefer voluntary compliance, but when that fails, SNITCH ensures enforcement.”
For more information, visit JoeSnitch.com or contact SNITCH at 561-372-2997.
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