Charlotte County, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 2-5-71 defines a 'developed lot' as any platted lot where a structure has been built or placed, whether or not it is finished, occupied or still standing, and even extends the definition to now-vacant lots inside the Charlotte Harbor, Murdock Village or Parkside community redevelopment areas that once held a structure after their redevelopment plans took effect (January 24, 2006, October 18, 2010 and August 16, 2011 respectively). 'Excessive growth' under Section 2-5-71 means weeds or grass exceeding twelve inches in height over at least half of the lot's mowable, cleared, non-agricultural area, and Section 2-5-72 bans permitting or maintaining that condition, with a carve-out for lots holding an active building permit that has passed an inspection within the prior 180 days.

Enforcement runs through Section 2-5-73: a code compliance officer investigates, sets a compliance deadline based on the violation's severity and the owner's ability to fix it, and serves a written notice of public nuisance by certified mail, sheriff's hand delivery, or leaving it with a resident over 15, plus posting it on the property. The owner can request a hearing under Section 2-5-74, held no sooner than ten days after notice, with the right to an attorney, witnesses and cross-examination; the hearing officer decides by a preponderance of the evidence and can assess enforcement costs against a losing violator, appealable to the Circuit Court.

If nobody abates the nuisance or wins a hearing, Section 2-5-75 lets the county correct the condition itself and bill the owner for actual abatement costs, or $100, whichever is greater; an unpaid bill becomes a special assessment lien on the property, recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and accruing interest at the legal rate until paid.