Gulfport, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 23-21 of the Gulfport Code of Ordinances defines a substandard or unsafe building as any dwelling, apartment house, rooming house or residential structure that is unsafe, unsanitary, unfit for human habitation, lacks adequate egress, constitutes a fire hazard, or is otherwise dangerous through inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence or abandonment, or that otherwise violates Chapter 23. The section declares every such building illegal and requires it to be abated by repair and rehabilitation or by demolition. The building official opens the process by giving written notice to the responsible owner or occupant identifying the property, stating the reasons for the notice, setting a limited time to act, outlining the remedial work that will bring the building into compliance, and warning that failure to comply within the stated time will get the property placarded as unfit for human habitation.

Notice can be served by personal delivery, by certified or registered mail to the owner's or agent's last known address, or by posting a copy on the structure. Once posted, it is unlawful to enter a placarded building except to make the required repairs or to demolish it, and unlawful for anyone other than the building official to remove or deface the placard. An owner, agent or person in control can appeal the building official's decision to the Minimum Housing Standards and Appeals Board before the deadline runs, except in emergencies.

If the responsible party cannot be found, or fails, neglects or refuses to repair, rehabilitate, demolish or remove the structure, the building official ascertains the cost and has the building demolished, secured, or required to stay vacant, and charges those costs to the property owner for collection under Florida law.