Fact-checked and verified on July 7, 2026
If you own a house in Fort Lauderdale, FL and you are dealing with vacant property, this page covers what actually happens next — the local timeline, what it costs, and the options that stay open to you. Everything below is specific to Fort Lauderdale and how sales are handled in FL, not generic national advice.
To sell an abandoned house in Fort Lauderdale, you must first confirm you have a clear legal title, address any outstanding code enforcement liens, and decide whether to sell the property 'as-is' or after making repairs. Florida law and local city ordinances are very strict regarding property maintenance; failure to register a vacant home or ignore city notices can result in daily fines up to $1,000 and eventually a city-led foreclosure. Successful sales typically involve a title search to find 'clouds' on the title, a 'Fine Reduction' application through the Fort Lauderdale Special Magistrate to settle city debts, and a strategy to handle potential squatters under the state's 2024 expedited removal laws.
Fort Lauderdale properties in foreclosure must be registered under the city's Residential Abandoned Property Program (Ordinance § 18-3).
Source: https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/community-enhancement-and-compliance/administrative-services
Florida Statute § 162 allows local governments to record liens for code violations that grow daily and can eventually be foreclosed on by the city.
Source: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0162/0162.html
The City of Fort Lauderdale has a formal 'Fine Reduction' process through the Special Magistrate where owners can negotiate to pay as little as 15% of the total lien value if the property is brought into compliance.
Source: https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/community-enhancement-and-compliance/hearings
A new 2024 Florida law (HB 621) allows property owners to request the immediate removal of squatters within 24 hours via the local Sheriff without a full court eviction.
Source: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2024/html/3432
Adverse possession in Florida requires a person to occupy the property and pay all property taxes for at least 7 years (FL Statute § 95.18).
Source: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/95.18
City of Fort Lauderdale Code Compliance
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/community-enhancement-and-compliance
Florida Statutes Chapter 162 - Code Enforcement
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0162/0162.html
Florida Statutes Chapter 95 - Adverse Possession
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/95.18
City of Fort Lauderdale LauderBuild Portal
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/community-development-services/building-services/lauderbuild
End the carrying costs. Close in as little as 7 days.
End the carrying costs. Close in as little as 7 days.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Laws, timelines, and market conditions vary by state and change over time. Always consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional about your specific situation before making any decisions. Any cash offer is subject to a property evaluation, and closing timelines depend on title, occupancy, and other factors. Results described on this site are not a guarantee of any particular outcome. Black Girls Buy Houses LLC is a real estate investment company that purchases properties directly; we are not licensed real estate agents or brokers and do not provide brokerage services. We are committed to the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Act and conduct business in accordance with all federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
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