Coconut Creek, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Abatement deadline
- 10 days after the owner receives notice
- Criminal penalty ceiling
- Fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both
- Paint or clean trigger
- 25 percent of any single sight view deteriorated
- Abatement bill due
- 30 days from the billing date
- Lien recorded
- Broward County official records after 30 days unpaid
- Appeal route
- Broward County Circuit Court
Summary
In the City of Coconut Creek, Florida, Article III of Chapter 6 sets minimum building premises standards to prevent blight. When the code enforcement division finds a public nuisance on a property or structure, it notifies the owner, who has ten days to abate it. If the owner does not, the city abates it and records the cost as a lien against the property.
(1)[Notification to owner.] When the code enforcement division determines, upon the complaint of any person, that any property or structure constitutes a public nuisance as hereinabove defined, the code enforcement division shall notify the owner of the property or structure of the violations and the repairs or other actions which are necessary to bring the property or structure into compliance with the City Code. ... Said notice shall direct the property owner to abate the nuisance within ten (10) days. The city shall take those actions necessary to abate said nuisance and assess the actual costs of the city, including expenses, as a lien against the property. ... (b)The provisions of this section shall be in addition to such other remedies as may be provided by law or ordinance. The violation of, or failure to comply with any provisions of this section, shall subject the offender, upon conviction, to a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed sixty (60) days or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Full Breakdown
Article III of Chapter 6 of the Coconut Creek Code, titled Minimum Building Premises Standards, was created to prevent the blight and decay of the city. Section 6-32 applies it to the exterior of every building in the City of Coconut Creek, its appurtenant facilities and all adjoining grounds, and says the higher standard prevails when it conflicts with another building, housing, litter, health, safety or zoning regulation. Section 6-33 defines a blighting condition as any physical condition of the maintenance of the premises that directly or indirectly reduces the value of surrounding properties. Its definition of nuisance reaches wrecked, derelict or partially dismantled motor vehicles, boats and machinery, stagnant water, attractive nuisances and fire hazards.
Section 6-36 sets the measurable standards. Exterior walls must be cleaned, repainted or recovered once 25 percent or more of any single sight view is discolored, peeling, molding or mildewing, and the same 25 percent trigger applies to roofs, gutters, fences, signs and satellite dishes. Protective railings are required on any unenclosed structure more than 30 inches above ground and on any steps with four risers or more.
Section 6-37 is the abatement procedure. Upon the complaint of any person, the code enforcement division notifies the owner of the violations and the repairs needed. The notice goes by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address on the most recent ad valorem tax roll, or is hand delivered, and it directs the owner to abate the nuisance within ten days. The notice also tells the owner about the right to appeal to the Broward County Circuit Court. The city then takes the actions necessary to abate the nuisance and bills the actual cost to the owner by registered mail. The owner has 30 days from the billing date to pay, and after that the city can record a notice of lien in the official records of Broward County, backed by a sworn statement of the cost, the date of abatement and the legal description of the property.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 6-37(b), a violation of Article III is punishable on conviction by a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both, and each day the condition exists is a separate offense with its own penalty. Abatement costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, are charged to the owner. Amounts unpaid 30 days after the invoice become a lien on the property that bears interest at the maximum legal rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an owner have to fix a nuisance after notice in Coconut Creek?
What happens if the City of Coconut Creek cleans up my property?
When does a building exterior count as blighted under the city standards?
Can I appeal a nuisance notice in Coconut Creek?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coconut Creek
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How other cities in Broward County handle property blight.