Bradenton, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 18-36 is titled the City of Bradenton Unsafe Structures Ordinance and covers all unsafe buildings and structures, new and existing. The owner or the owner's designated agent is responsible for maintenance. The definition lists conditions a through k, including inadequate egress, structural stress above what the Florida Building Code allows, damage from fire, flood, wind or other cause, likely collapse from decay, deterioration or dilapidation, and any condition that constitutes a public nuisance.

The building official administers the section, enters premises at reasonable times after presenting credentials, and starts proceedings to abate the condition by repair, vacation or demolition. A structure that poses an immediate hazard to life or public safety is ordered vacated immediately. The written notice to the owner of record carries the street address and legal description, a statement that the building has been declared unsafe and a detailed report of the conditions. A repair order requires permits secured and work commenced within 60 days. The notice is also posted on the property, and removing it without written permission is unlawful.

The building official can approve extensions totaling 120 days. Longer extensions need good cause, such as foreclosure, bankruptcy, hospitalization or death of the owner, or a natural disaster such as hurricane, tornado or flood. An appeal goes to the city council, filed in writing with the building official within 30 days from the date of service with a $100.00 appeal fee, and enforcement other than a vacation order is held in abeyance during the appeal. If work is not commenced within 30 days after the effective date of an order, a notice goes up saying the city will repair or demolish, and the building official can have the building demolished and all debris removed.

Beyond structures, § 38-36 declares every condition or activity in the city that is offensive or prejudicial to the health or general welfare of the residents a nuisance and gives the code enforcement officer authority to decide what qualifies. Section 38-38 sends the notice to abate to the person who created the nuisance, or the occupant, and § 38-39 lets the city abate a nuisance left unabated after the notice period and assess the costs.