FAQs

How do I have my car seat installed/inspected?
Parents should always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual on how to properly install child safety seats. Florence Fire/EMS Department has trained technicians available for residents of the City of Florence and Florence Fire Protection District. The technicians will inspect car seat installations and help ensure they are installed properly. To schedule an inspection, simply submit a car seat safety inspection request form or call the department (CAR SEAT INSPECTION REQUEST). A car seat technician will call to schedule an appointment.

How do I become a firefighter?
Florence Fire/EMS Department accepts applications anytime for open career and volunteer positions.  Notices of open positions are posted on this website as well as those for the Kentucky Fire Wire and Kentucky EMS Connection.

What are the laws regarding ‘open burning’?
Open burning laws vary depending on location, time of day, and time of year.  Anyone wishing to conduct outside or open burning should contact the Fire/EMS department for more detailed information and to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

How do I schedule a fire truck for my public education event?
Florence Fire/EMS Department regularly attends public education events for schools, churches and other community organizations.  Events should be oriented with special attention given to fire safety, injury prevention, or similar fire or EMS content.  The department refrains from attending events where there is no specific public fire education program.

How do I get a copy of a fire or ambulance report?
Reports are generally available within 72 hours of the incident.  Fire reports can be made available to the property owner(s), insurance companies, and similar parties.  Ambulance reports are covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and may only be released at the written request of the party involved.  Contact the Fire/EMS department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for additional instructions in regard to obtaining copies of a report.

How do I obtain a copy of a traffic crash report?
Visit the Public Safety Communications Center at the Florence Government Center, M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Or you may purchase a copy of the report at www.buycrash.com.

How do I file a delayed traffic crash report with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that has not been investigated by a police officer?
Visit http://kentuckystatepolice.org/forms/ and select “civillian collision report”.

How do I obtain a criminal offense report?
Visit the Public Safety Communications Center at the Florence Government Center, M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How do I pay a City of Florence parking ticket?
Fines may be paid in person or by mail at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY. M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone (859) 371-5491. The fine schedule is on the reverse of the citation.

How do I contest a City of Florence parking ticket?
By requesting a hearing before the City of Florence Code Enforcement Board.  The request must be made within seven (7) days of the date of the issuance of the citation.  The request shall be filed at the office of the City Clerk at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY, on forms provided for that purpose.

How do I get fingerprinted for employment, background, certification etc.?
Please visit the following link: Fingerprinting services

How do I get a background or records check?
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Records Unit provides this service.  The office can be reached at (502) 573-1682 or (800) 928-6381 or by email at records@kycourts.net.  The form to submit to the AOC for a background or records check is available at the Florence Police Department Administrative Offices, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY, M-F from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  You may also visit their website at https://courts.ky.gov/aoc/criminalrecordreports/pages/default.aspx.

How do I pay or contest a Commonwealth of Kentucky traffic citation?
Review the information sheet the officer provided at the time of the stop or contact the Boone County District court at (859) 334-2293 M-F from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How do I get to the Florence Government Center(FGC)?
The FGC is located at 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY.  Access from I-75 by exiting at the Florence/Burlington exit, number 181, going east on Kentucky 18 approximately ½ mile to Ewing Boulevard and turning right.

How do I report a Kentucky resident motorist with a out of state license plate?
Thousands of Kentuckians are beating the system through the improper use in Kentucky of motor vehicles bearing out-of-state li­cense plates or improper use of temporary tags. If you observe a Kentucky resident operating mo­tor vehicles on Kentucky high­ways for more than 15 days with out-of-state license plates or for more than 30 days with tempo­rary tags, please help the Department of Revenue identify these Freeroaders. Click here for a link to the Kentucky Department of Revenue’s website including an anonymous online form. Click here for a video about the Freeroader program. For more information, click here.

How do I file an open records request?
For information on how to file an open records request, please visit https://www.florence-ky.gov/open-records-request/.

How do I dispose of unwanted prescription medication?
The Florence Police Department maintains a prescription drug drop off box.  You may bring your prescription pills to the Florence Police Department’s window located at 8100 Ewing Blvd. Florence, KY.  Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  The box is for prescription pills only.  Please ask your doctor how to dispose of any other medical products.

How do I pay a Uniform Citation to the Code Enforcement Board?
Payment may be paid in person or by mail to the City of Florence Finance Department, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY 41042.  Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.  Business phone (859) 371-5491.  See schedule of fines on Uniform Citation for fine amount.

How do I contest a Uniform Citation to the Code Enforcement Board?
You may request a hearing before the City of Florence Code Enforcement Board.  Such a request shall be made within seven (7) days of the date of issuance of the citation.  Such request for hearing shall be filed in the in the office of the Florence City Clerk, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY 41042.

How do I make a complaint or report a problem or code violation?
A complaint, problem or code violation may be reported by using the following link: Report An Issue

How do I view City ordinances?
City ordinance can be viewed by using the following
link: http://www.amlegal.com/florence_ky/

How do I view Boone County Zoning Regulations?
Boone County Zoning Regulations can be viewed by using the following link: Zoning Regulations

How do I park/store a boat/RV/trailer at my residence?
One recreational vehicle or one trailer, which does not exceed 25 feet in length or 9 feet in width may be stored in a side yard (excluding corner side yard) or rear yard only and shall be stored or parked only on a paved surface.  Commercial style vehicles, trailers, implements and equipment regardless of size shall not be stored or parked within residential zones.

How do I obtain a permit to display a banner, sign, flags, streamers and other temporary advertising material at my business?
A Temporary Advertising Display permit may be obtained by contacting the Boone County Planning Commission at (859) 334-2196.  The application form may also be obtained by using the following link: Temporary Advertising Display

How do I obtain a permit for an outdoor sale at my business?
A Temporary Commercial Display permit may be obtained by contacting the Boone County Planning Commission at (859) 334-2196.  The application form may also be obtained by using the following link: Temporary Commercial Display

How do I obtain a permit to operate a business from my home?
Contact the Boone County Planning Commission at (859) 334-2196 or visit Boone County Planning Commission

How do I find the zoning classification of a property?
Contact the Boone County Planning Commission at (859) 334-2196 or visit CURRENT ZONING MAP

How do I pay a water bill?

How do I have my water turned on/off?
Contact the Finance Department at (859) 647-5413 or in person at the Florence Government Center

How do I find out about my drinking water quality?
The Consumer Confidence Report, or CCR, is an annual water quality report that a community water system is required to provide to its customers. The CCR contains information about substances detected in your drinking water, possible sources of the substances, potential health effects of the substances and other valuable information. Water systems are required to provide the CCR to customers by July 1st of each year. The report contains water quality information from the previous calendar year.

How do I learn about boil water advisories?

  • A Boil Water Advisory is issued either by the City of Florence, Kentucky Division of Water or the Public Health Department.  They are issued when the possibility exist that contamination could have taken place or if routine samples exceed there maximum contaminate level set by the Kentucky Division of Water.
  • Samples are taken to verify the quality of the water.  When samples come back from the lab, and they are negative for bacteria, then the boil water advisory will be lifted.  If a boil water advisory is issued for a particular area, notification happens one of three ways; 1 notices delivered on the door, 2 signs posted in area, 3 notification given to the media (local TV news).  A Boil Water Advisory is just a precautionary measure. A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) is a preventative measure issued to protect the health of the community from water borne infectious agents. A Boil Water Advisory is issued only after careful consideration among representatives from public health, regulatory agencies and municipal departments.

What should I be aware of if under a Boil Water Advisory?

  • Create a supply of water for cooking, drinking and tooth brushing. Bring the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. Timing starts when the water starts to bubble. Cool the water then place in clean containers for use or refrigerate.
  • Hot soapy water can be used for dishwashing and kitchen/bathroom surface cleaning. As a precaution, add one tablespoon of bleach per gallon.
  • Laundry water does not need to be treated. Unless otherwise noted, water for showering does not need to be treated.
  • If the water is not safe for drinking because of germs (bacteria, viruses or parasites), good hand washing with soap and water should be followed up with hand disinfection with alcohol-based disinfectant.

How do I learn about current water fees and rates?
You will find all of our updated rates and fees on the Finance section of our webpage. You can go directly there by clicking this link: Water and Sewer Tap Fees

How do I convert my water consumption from hundred cubic feet to gallons?
This is achieved by the simple calculation of multiplying the number of hundred cubic feet by 748.

How hard is Florence drinking water?
Florence Drinking water has an average hardness of 137 milligrams per liter or 8 grains per gallon.

How do I check the status of a Boil Water Advisory?

There are three main ways that we notify the public of the issuing or lifting of a Boil Water Advisory.

1. Via Door Hangars

  • A red door hangar is left for Issued Advisories.
  • A green door hangar is left for Lifted Advisories.

2. Signs at Entrances to a Neighborhood

  • When an advisory impacts more than fifty services; signs are deployed along with the door hangars.
  • Signs will specify whether an advisory is in place or has been lifted.

3. Via Web Page

  • During normal business hours one can find the status of an advisory under the “Alerts” tab on the front page.

If one still is unsure about the status of an advisory, please call 859-647-5416 during normal business hours. After normal business hours or during a holiday, please call 513-768-3473.

How do I set up garbage/recycling service?
Contact Rumpke at 1-877-786-7537.

How do I view the garbage/recycling service schedule?
Garbage and Recycling Schedule

How do I dispose of large items?
Large items may be placed at the curb with your regular trash if you notify Rumpke at 1-877-786-7537. Also, the City of Florence holds week long clean up events in the Spring and in the Fall where large items can be dropped off for no charge.

How do I dispose of paint?
Paint should be dried out and disposed of with your regular trash. Take lid off to dry, add kitty litter to speed the process, and keep the lid off when you place out for the trash so the hauler knows it is dry.

How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?
Items are accepted at a variety of locations and events throughout the year.  Visit the Northern Kentucky Household Hazardous Waste Action Coalition website at www.nkyhhw.org for information.

How do I report a problem with a traffic signal or street light?
Contact the Public Services Department at (859) 647-5416 who will determine the responsible utility/party and report the problem or use the following link: Report An Issue

How do I find out where road construction is underway?
Check the “Public Services Current Project” section of our website.   If you have additional questions contact the Public Services Department at (859) 647-5416.

How do I find out when my street is scheduled for repairs?
You can check the City’s Three Year Infrastructure Forecast online by clicking 3 Year Infrastructure Forecast. If you have additional questions contact the Public Services Department at (859) 647-5416.

How do I report a pothole?
Contact the Public Services Department at (859) 647-5416 who will determine the responsible party or use the following link:  Report An Issue

How do I obtain an occupational license?
Contact the Finance Department at (859) 647-5413 or visit Occupational License Information

How do I get directions to City facilities?
Directions to all City facilities can be obtained by contacting the Public Services Department at (859) 647-5416

How do I obtain and review public documents and records?
Submit an open records request to the Florence City Clerk, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY 41042.

How do I get information about the City’s Tree City USA program?

The National Arbor Day Foundation has designated the City of Florence as a “Tree City USA” each year since 1992. The City achieves this award for meeting each of the following requirements:

  • A tree board
  • A tree ordinance
  • Comprehensive forestry program
  • Arbor Day observance

How do I report illegal dumping?
Visit Boone County Solid Waste Enforcement website at www.boonecountyky.org/bcswm/swenforce

How do I report storm water complaints?
A complaint may be reported by using the following link to the Citizen Request System: Report An Issue

How do I obtain a building permit?
A building permit may be obtained by contacting the Boone County Building Department at (859) 334-2218.  The application form may also be obtained by using the following link: Building Permit

How do I know what to flush down the toilet?
Do not flush anything that will not totally dissolve and could plug the sewer mains such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, rags and plastic bags.

How do I deal with a sewer backup in my home?
Contact the City of Florence first so we can help determine whether the problem is in the City line or the homeowner’s line.

How do I report an illicit discharge?
Contact the City of Florence Stormwater Hotline at (859) 647-4623.

How do I request a utility locate?
Contact the Public Services Department at (859) 647-5416 and provide the following information:  Business Name, Contact Name, Contact #, Address of Area to be Located, Type of Work and Depth of Excavation.

How do I obtain an occupational license?
Contact the Finance Department at (859) 647-5413 or visit Occupational License Information

How do I see current bid postings?
All current bid postings are advertised in the Boone County Recorder newspaper. Postings are also located within the Public Services section under the Contractor / Vendor page listed as Bids & RFP.

How do I get a fire hydrant meter?
You will need to make arrangements through the Finance Department at (859) 647-5413. A deposit is required and water usage is billed.

How do I figure out how much a sewer tap fee is?
Water and Sewer Tap Fees