The City Code of Ordinances Chapter 9 Article VI defines Graffiti and how it is enforced. The ordinance prohibits graffiti on all properties and allows the City to issue a violation to private property owners should graffiti remain after appropriate notice. The ordinance also authorizes the City to remove the graffiti following a period of inaction by the property owner and assess the cost of abatement as a lien against the property.

Graffiti can be reported through the DigiTally app on your phone or online. Reports can also be provided to Code Enforcement directly at 850-891-7007.

With collaboration across several departments, the City aims to remove graffiti on public property as soon as possible. For private properties, the Code Enforcement division will first notify the property owner of the graffiti and provide a reasonable amount of time to remove it. Should the owner disagree with the City’s assessment that graffiti exists, the owner will have an opportunity to be heard before the Code Magistrate.

Should the property remain in violation past the date set for owner compliance and the Code Magistrate finds the owner to be out of compliance, the Magistrate may order the imposition of fines or fines-plus-costs incurred by the City in the event the City removes the graffiti on their property.

The City partners with community agencies to transform walls that are frequently tagged with graffiti into beautiful artistic expressions. Experience around the world has shown that public art can be an effective way to combat graffiti and blight while beautifying the community and creating a sense of place. Murals provide unique art that speaks to the community, tell the history and reflect the culture of varied neighborhoods. These efforts can deter graffiti vandalism and encourage local artists to get involved in the community.

To learn more about the Graffiti to Mural program and how to get involved, contact the Sustainability and Resilience Division at 850-891-7007.

SITE SELECTION

It is the intent of the City’s mural program to install murals in areas where there is repeated graffiti tagging, as inspected by the Code Enforcement division. Site selection for murals considers an equitable distribution of public art throughout the city that enhances and activates previously blighted spaces. Preference is given to sites with high visibility, public accessibility, and the ability to enhance the overall public environment and pedestrian streetscape experience. While murals may be used to establish landmarks and neighborhood gateways, they are considered public art, not billboards or signs. Some locations may be inappropriate for murals, due to safety issues, potential maintenance problems, or complicated building geometry. Murals containing logos, slogans, or advertising messages of any kind are considered signs and must comply with the sign ordinance. Private property owners desiring to utilize this program to install a mural on their property are required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Tallahassee.

PARTNERS

The City partners with other agencies to help remove graffiti and when feasible, collaborates with owners and volunteers to install an alternative artistic expression that can deter future tagging. These agencies assist in identifying ideal locations, artists, and content for murals.

LEMOYNE ARTS

Creating community through art, the mission of LeMoyne Arts is to promote education, interest and participation in the contemporary visual arts. Since 1963, LeMoyne Arts has been the premier private, non-profit art organization in Tallahassee and our region, supported primarily by memberships and gifts. Founded to promote the work of local artists and to preserve Florida’s art heritage, LeMoyne Arts continues its mission through many programs and services offered. The City of Tallahassee has partnered with LeMoyne to engage volunteers, promote projects, and identify emerging artists who can design murals.

LeMoyne.org

COUNCIL ON CULTURAL ARTS

COCA, the Council on Culture & Arts, is a non-profit organization that serves as the facilitator and voice for the arts and cultural industry in Florida's capital area. COCA provides information and promotes the arts and culture to both citizens and visitors. COCA has been serving the area since 1985. More than thirty years ago, the community created COCA as their designated local arts agency. The capital area’s only umbrella agency for arts and culture, COCA works with and for those who produce, invest in, and experience the arts and culture in our area. The City of Tallahassee has partnered with COCA to assist in the call for professional muralists to transform blighted areas with repeated tagging into works of art.

DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY

The Downtown Improvement Authority (TDIA) promotes downtown Tallahassee as a growing destination for development – business, entrepreneurship, ongoing education, resources, and entertainment for any individual. The TDIA was created in 1971. The Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority, its community partners, and stakeholders all believe that Tallahassee’s Downtown must be a vibrant place to live, work and play while continuing to preserve the history, charm and progress that our city is known for. The City has partnered with the TDIA to identify volunteers that will assist with identifying and abating graffiti within the downtown area.

Contact us if you are interested in partnering on a mural.

Removing graffiti and repairing the damage is costly. Property is devalued, business owners can lose customers and the presence of graffiti sends a message that a neighborhood could be in decline. It is our desire to assist property owners in locating resources to supplement their efforts to abate and deter graffiti.

THE RENEW CENTER

Items at the Renew Center are available to all Leon County residents, at no charge. Every Thursday, 5-gallon pails of recycled latex paint are available FREE to residents while supplies last. The Renew Center is located at the Household Hazardous Waste Center, 7550 Apalachee Parkway.

What is Graffiti?

Graffiti is defined as writing, drawings or symbols applied to any surface without the consent of the property owner, authorized agent or designee. Graffiti can cause permanent destruction to private or public property, by means to include but not limited to painting, marking, defacing or etching any inscription onto such property. Some graffiti is gang-related, but most is simply tagging. When used by gangs, graffiti elevates violence and promotes gang membership.

What is tagging?

Tagging is the permanent marking of public or private property with initials or an acronym to gain recognition or notoriety or to express an opinion. The intent is to deface as many surfaces in the most notable way possible.

Where does graffiti crime occur?

Graffiti can occur ANYWHERE. Some of the most popular targets include:

• Public and private buildings
• Newspaper boxes and vending machines
• Utility boxes and poles
• Street signs
• Parks, playgrounds & recreational facilities
• Bridges and overpasses
• Public transit property and vehicles

What can the public do to help?

In Progress Graffiti Calls

If you see graffiti or vandalism in progress, call the CDA at 850-606-5800 immediately. Do NOT approach those involved in what you believe to be criminal activity. Stay on the line and provide your location and a detailed description of the suspects.

Pre-existing Graffiti

Anyone can report a graffiti location through the DigiTally phone app or call Code Enforcement at 850-891-7007.

TIPS for Parents

Law enforcement has learned that most parents have no idea that their children are involved in vandalisms or graffiti crimes.

Check backpacks for markers and/or spray paint, as well as sketch books, pieces of paper with graffiti "tags" on them, aerosol cans and/or nozzles, white shoe polish and photographs of graffiti pieces or murals. Check school papers for graffiti "tags and or sketches of murals.

It is important to know who your children are associating with and make sure they are home at your established curfew times.

REMEMBER: Graffiti is a crime known as "criminal mischief." It is a misdemeanor and can be a felony under Florida State statute 806.13.