City Approves One Thing, Neighbor Builds Another, Then Zoning “paper-fixes” It — No Written Decision. How Is This Allowed? (florida)

Location: Florida.

Neighbor’s project was approved with a clear zoning setback requirement. The approved plans already reflected administrative reductions, but the as-built structure ended up even closer, and an encroachment was flagged on the survey. The building was also constructed wider than the sealed approved plans, consuming further setback space.

After construction, the City shifted the classification on paper (new survey measurements, relabeling the height category, “de minimis” tolerance) even though the structure itself didn’t change. Multiple surveys were submitted, and there are unresolved property line/encroachment issues.

The City quietly issued a Certificate of Occupancy. After I discovered it through public records, it was temporarily revoked, and now the City appears to be trying to push it back through via paperwork rather than enforcement — all while refusing to issue any formal written zoning interpretation or appealable decision (only one-line “approved” emails).

In Florida, how can residents compel a written zoning determination or identifiable “final agency action” when the City avoids putting anything in writing? Is mandamus/due process/public-records enforcement the only realistic path if there is no clear administrative appeal route?

I understand “get a lawyer” may be the ultimate answer — I’m specifically trying to understand what counts as a reviewable “final agency action” in Florida when the City won’t issue anything written.

I’m not trying to litigate the neighbor facts here — I’m focused on the procedural issue of the City avoiding written, appealable zoning determinations.