Dade City, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 22-121 defines an 'unsafe structure' as a deteriorated or deteriorating structure endangering life or property by fire or other causes, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, or site deterioration that impairs sound growth or menaces public health, safety, morals or welfare. The building official weighs seven listed criteria to reach that finding, including whether imposed loads exceed the building code's working stresses for new construction, whether fire, flood or wind damage has reduced structural integrity below current code minimums, whether exterior appendages are insecurely fastened against high winds, and the extent of decay or abandonment.

The city commission's findings in the same section cite unsafe structures as magnets for children at play, vagrants, drug activity and vermin, and as drains on fire department resources when deliberately set alight. Under § 22-122(a), the record owner and any mortgage lienholder get written notice and 30 days to substantially repair or demolish the structure and remove debris. If that deadline passes, § 22-122(b) authorizes the city to do the repair, demolition or debris removal itself and assess the full cost, including legal and administrative expenses, against the property as a non-ad valorem assessment.

Section 22-123 requires notice by certified mail, posting at City Hall and on the structure, recording in the Pasco County public records, and two weeks of newspaper publication, using a form notice that gives the owner a right to request an extension and a right to appeal to the city commission within 30 days.