Guide hub · Code violations & liens · Tampa Bay
Every guide we have on code cases and code liens in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Largo and unincorporated Pinellas.
The short answer
Under Florida’s code enforcement law, a board or magistrate can fine up to $250 a day for a first violation and $500 a day for a repeat violation, and a recorded fine becomes a lien on the land (Florida Statutes 162.09). After three months unpaid the board may authorize foreclosure, but not on a homestead. In St. Petersburg alone, the City’s lien report as of October 1, 2026 listed $55.6 million on 2,781 properties. An open case or a recorded lien doesn’t stop a sale. Find your city below.
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Each situation links to the guide that answers it.
From Florida Statutes 162.09 (2026, read November 7, 2026):
The City’s Codes Compliance page (read November 7, 2026) describes three tracks: civil citations for common issues and simple fines, the Code Enforcement Board for larger issues involving hearings and liens, and municipal ordinance violations, a formal judicial process in County Court. A civil citation can be appealed to a Special Magistrate; appeals are filed with the City Clerk, hearings are generally on the fourth Monday of the month, and a denied appeal adds a $50 administrative fee.
By the numbers: St. Pete’s lien report as of October 1, 2026 listed $55.6 million owed on 2,781 properties, a median of $9,300 each, with 96 properties owing $100,000 or more. Clearwater’s report as of October 12, 2026: $31.8 million due on code enforcement liens on 126 properties. Method and every city: code enforcement liens by the numbers.
You don’t have to fix a violation or pay a lien before you sell. A buyer who takes the house as-is takes over the open case, and recorded liens are paid, reduced or released through the title company at closing. AL buys from the office at 433 Central Ave in downtown St. Petersburg. We buy many homes with our own cash; on some deals we partner with a vetted local investor, and we tell you upfront, in writing, before you sign. We are not real estate agents or attorneys; this page is general information, not legal advice.
Yes. Recorded code liens show up in the title search and are paid, reduced or released at closing from the sale proceeds. An open case passes to the buyer if they take the house as-is.
Up to $250 per day for a first violation and up to $500 per day for a repeat violation, plus repair costs, under Florida Statutes 162.09.
No. Florida Statutes 162.09 bars foreclosing a code enforcement lien on a homestead. After three months unpaid the board may authorize foreclosure on other property or a suit for a money judgment.
File an appeal with the City Clerk. Appeal hearings before a Special Magistrate are generally held on the fourth Monday of the month; if the appeal is denied, a $50 administrative fee is added.
No. HomeSellerCashOffer is not a real estate agent or broker. We buy houses as Tampete Homes LLC, many with our own cash; on some deals we partner with a vetted local investor, and we tell you upfront, in writing, before you sign. Closings run through a licensed Florida title company.
AL Cakici · Owner, HomeSellerCashOffer (Tampete Homes LLC)
AL buys houses in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco, many with company funds and has personally purchased and assisted with 100+ transactions over 10+ years across the country. He is not an attorney; this page is general information drawn from the sources listed above, not legal advice. Facts checked against those sources on the dates listed.
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Straight answers first. If selling isn’t your best move, he’ll say so.
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