When a property owner does not correct a code violation by the deadline, many Florida cities and counties impose a daily fine. If the fine goes unpaid, it can be recorded as a lien against the property, and some keep growing until the violation is fixed.
How to find them
- Search the clerk's official records for liens recorded against the owner and the property.
- Check the city or county code enforcement case search for open and closed cases.
- Ask the code enforcement office for a lien search or payoff letter, which many offices provide for a fee.
What to do when you find one
- Fix the violation first. Many fines stop accruing only once the property is in compliance and the office confirms it.
- Request an inspection and get written confirmation of compliance.
- Ask about reduction or mitigation. Many jurisdictions have a process to request a reduced amount once the violation is fixed.
- Get a payoff letter before paying, and a release of lien after.
Before you buy
Code liens can follow the property. A lien search before closing, or before bidding at a tax deed sale, is cheap insurance.
Our code fine calculator shows how fast a daily fine adds up.
General information, not legal advice. Rules and procedures vary by city and county.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
