Can I sell a house with code violations in Fort Lauderdale?

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.

Direct Answer. Yes, you can sell a house with code violations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, you are legally required to disclose all known violations to the buyer, and the buyer must agree to take on the responsibility of correcting those issues and paying any outstanding fines associated with the property. ## Key Details. Selling a distressed or non-compliant property in Fort Lauderdale is common, but it comes with specific financial and legal hurdles. Code violations create a cloud on the title, meaning that if there are recorded liens from the city, they must be settled at or before closing unless the buyer agrees to assume them. In Fort Lauderdale, code violations often stem from overgrown grass, structural decay, or unpermitted work. If the property is vacant, additional regulations apply under the city's Abandoned Property Registration program. Most traditional buyers using a mortgage will struggle to get financing for a home with serious violations, so these sales typically involve cash buyers or investors who specialize in 'as-is' purchases. The buyer will likely demand a price reduction to cover the cost of repairs and the risk of dealing with the city's code enforcement department. ## FL-Specific Laws. Florida's code enforcement is governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 162, the 'Local Government Code Enforcement Boards Act.' Under FS 162.06, the process begins with a formal notice of violation giving the owner a reasonable time to correct the issue. If the violation remains, FS 162.09 allows the code enforcement board to impose fines up to $250 per day for a first-time violation and up to $500 per day for repeat violations. These fines can eventually be recorded as a lien against the property. Regarding disclosures, the landmark Florida Supreme Court case Johnson v. Davis (1985) established that a seller must disclose any known facts that materially affect the value of residential property which are not readily observable by the buyer. Code violations fall squarely into this category. Additionally, FS 95.18 governs adverse possession in Florida; if a property is left vacant and neglected for seven years without the owner paying taxes or maintaining it, someone else could potentially claim ownership, though this is rare and difficult to achieve. ## Fort Lauderdale Local Context. Fort Lauderdale has a strict 'Abandoned Real Property' ordinance (Article XI, Section 9-331). Owners of vacant properties that are in default or show evidence of vacancy must register the property with the city. The registration fee is typically $150, and failure to register can result in significant penalties. The city employs a Special Magistrate system to adjudicate code cases. If a property is deemed a public nuisance or is dangerously dilapidated, the city may pursue a 'Demolition Order' or enter the property to perform 'Abatement' (like mowing or boarding up windows), then bill the owner for the costs. While Fort Lauderdale does not have a standard residential receivership program for single-family homes like some northern cities, they can use the court system to appoint a receiver if the property poses a severe threat to public safety. Code enforcement hearings are held at City Hall, and owners can check for outstanding liens via the City of Fort Lauderdale's 'Lien Inquiry' portal. ## What You Can Do Right Now. 1. Request a Lien Search: Contact the Fort Lauderdale City Clerk's office or use their online portal to see if any fines have already turned into recorded liens. 2. Get a Payoff Letter: If there are active fines, request a 'Payoff Letter' to see the exact amount needed to clear the debt. 3. Gather Documentation: Collect all notices from the city so you can provide full transparency to potential buyers. 4. Decide on a Sale Strategy: You can either pay to fix the violations to attract traditional buyers or market the home 'as-is' to cash investors who will handle the city's requirements for you. 5. Notify the City: Once the property is sold, ensure the city is notified so the responsibility for future compliance shifts to the new owner.