Fort Myers, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing official
- Community development director
- Minor violation penalty
- Up to $500 court fine
- Noncompliance lien
- Up to $250 per day
- Lien duration
- Enforceable up to 20 years
- Governing law
- Code of Ordinances Art. IV
Summary
Fort Myers cites and orders repair, vacation, or demolition of unsafe or condemned structures under Code of Ordinances Article IV, with code enforcement board hearings and liens up to $250 per day for noncompliance.
A statement warning that failure to complete the required action by the time specified will result in a hearing before the code enforcement board; a lien not to exceed $250.00 per day; an order that the structure be vacated immediately, be demolished, or, alternatively, the posting of a performance bond to ensure the structure's rehabilitation; and/or foreclose on the property to recover the fines and costs incurred.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
The community development director enforces Article IV, Unsafe or Condemned Structures and Buildings (Fort Myers Code of Ordinances §§ 54-156: 54-167), against any building found unsafe, unsanitary, structurally deficient, or abandoned for over 180 days on an expired permit. Minor violations get a written warning; uncorrected major violations bring formal notice requiring repair, vacation, permit reinstatement, or demolition within a set deadline. Noncompliance triggers a code enforcement board hearing that can order a lien of up to $250 per day, vacate or demolition orders, a rehabilitation performance bond, or foreclosure to recover costs, and liens run for 20 years.
Violations & Fines
Failure to repair or vacate after formal notice: code enforcement board hearing, fine up to $250 per day, demolition order, and a recorded lien enforceable for up to 20 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't fix a condemned building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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