How to Stop the $250/day Code Enforcement Fine in Florida — Fast Step-by-Step Guide

If you opened your mail and discovered a Code Enforcement notice with a $250/day fine, you’re probably imagining the amount climbing into the thousands. The good news: daily fines in Florida can usually be paused or stopped quickly when you follow the right steps. This guide explains exactly what to do, in simple language, and the order you should do it in.

What the $250/day Fine Actually Means (Most People Misunderstand This)

Florida cities follow Florida Statute 162, which allows them to charge daily fines for unresolved violations. In most municipalities:

• $250/day is the standard fine for a first violation
• $500/day is common for repeat violations

Two things most homeowners don’t realize:

• The fine doesn’t become permanent immediately. Amounts can still be negotiated, reduced, or waived later.
• The fine often stops accumulating once you request a re-inspection.

The $250/day number is not a punishment — it’s leverage to make you respond quickly. And responding quickly is exactly how you stop it from growing.

Step 1 — Identify the Exact Reason for the Violation

Your violation notice will list:

• The section of code that was violated
• What the inspector observed
• What must be corrected
• Deadlines or hearing dates

Common Florida violations include:

• Unpermitted structures (sheds, patios, enclosures, gazebos)
• Room additions built without a permit
• Illegal garage, attic, or porch conversions
• Electrical work done without a permit
• Unsafe construction
• Fence changes without permits

Even if the work was done by a previous owner, the violation is attached to the property itself, which means the current owner must resolve it.

Step 2 — Contact the Code Officer (But Don’t Admit Anything)

Reach out to the code officer by phone or email to confirm you received the notice. Keep it simple. Do not say you built anything, removed anything, or performed any work. Just say:

“I acknowledge the notice and I’m working on bringing the property into compliance. I will provide updates shortly.”

This keeps communication open and prevents escalation. The officer now knows you’re taking action, which helps when you later request time extensions or fine reductions.

Step 3 — Freeze the Daily Fine by Requesting a Re-Inspection

This is the most important part of this entire guide.

In many Florida cities, the daily fine stops the moment you request a re-inspection — even if the violation is not yet fixed. This can save thousands of dollars in accumulating fines.

Tell the officer:

“Please schedule a re-inspection at your earliest availability. I am actively correcting the violation.”

They will note this in your file, and in most jurisdictions, the fine will pause until they come back out.

Step 4 — Determine Whether the Violation Requires a Permit

Some violations are simple to fix; others require architectural plans and a full building permit. Generally:

Violations that require a permit:

• Sheds over 100 sq. ft
• Patio enclosures or converted lanais
• Room additions
• Gazebos, pergolas, carports
• Garage or porch conversions
• Electrical or plumbing work

Violations that usually do NOT require a permit:

• Yard maintenance
• Debris cleanup
• Minor cosmetic repairs
• Removing temporary or battery-powered fixtures

If your violation involves construction, you will likely need plans prepared by a licensed architect or engineer.

Step 5 — Hire the Right Professionals

To legalize unpermitted work, the city typically requires:

• Architectural drawings
• Structural engineering (if applicable)
• A permit application package
• Signed and sealed documents

Most homeowners run into delays because they try to “figure it out themselves” or hire someone unfamiliar with the local building department. A professional expediter coordinates all parts, communicates with the city, fixes examiner comments, and keeps your case moving.

Step 6 — Submit the Permit Application to the City

Once drawings are complete, the process usually looks like this:

1. Architect prepares the plans
2. Engineer signs and seals (if needed)
3. Permit application is submitted
4. Plans examiner reviews
5. Examiner issues comments
6. Plans are corrected and resubmitted
7. Permit is approved
8. Final inspection is scheduled

Almost every Florida city issues “comments” on the first review. This is normal. The important part is responding quickly and accurately.

Step 7 — Pass the Final Inspection and Close the Case

Once you pass the final inspection, the city will close the violation and stop the fine permanently.

If the fine accumulated before you acted, you may still have leverage to reduce it.

Can You Get the Fine Reduced or Waived?

Yes. Many Florida cities allow:

• Fine reduction hearings
• Lien mitigation hearings
• Administrative reviews

If you acted quickly and showed good faith, it’s very common for cities to reduce large fines dramatically.

Examples:

• $40,000 lien reduced to $1,500
• $12,000 fine reduced to $450
• $8,000 fine waived entirely

Cities are far more flexible when they see consistent communication and documented effort.

If the Work Was Done by a Previous Owner — Are You Still Responsible?

Yes. Always yes.

Florida law attaches violations to the property, not the person who built the structure. Even if you inherited the problem, you must fix it. This is the #1 misunderstanding homeowners have, and the #1 reason properties fall into lien status without the new owner realizing it.

When You Should NOT Try to Fix the Violation Yourself

Never attempt to DIY the violation if it involves:

• Structural components
• Roof attachments
• Electrical wiring
• Load-bearing walls
• Room additions or enclosures
• Any work concealed behind finishes

These require professional documentation and inspections. Trying to fix them yourself almost always leads to more violations or rejections by plan examiners.

Summary — How to Stop the Fine Immediately

• Don’t panic — the fine can be stopped
• Do not admit responsibility for the construction
• Contact the inspector with a neutral statement
• Request a re-inspection to freeze the daily fine
• Start preparing plans and permit documents
• Hire professionals if the violation involves construction
• Submit the permit application and respond to examiner comments
• Pass final inspection and request official closure

Stopping the fine quickly is all about timing, communication, and correct sequencing. The faster you move, the more money you save — and the sooner your property becomes fully compliant again.