Marion County, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- FBC Section 116, locally adopted
- Repair/permit deadline
- 60 days from notice
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days to Code Enforcement Board
- Enforcement cost recovery
- Lien on property, interest accrues
- Emergency power
- Building official may disconnect utilities
Summary
Marion County declares unsafe, unsanitary, or fire-hazard buildings illegal and orders repair, vacation, or demolition under the Florida Building Code as locally amended.
All buildings, structures, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems which are unsafe, unsanitary, or do not provide adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life... are considered unsafe buildings or service systems. All such unsafe buildings, structures or service systems are hereby declared illegal and shall be abated by repair and rehabilitation or by demolition in accordance with the provisions of the Marion County Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 122 | Land Development Code: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 5.5-31(c) of the Marion County Code, the county adopts Florida Building Code Section 116 to govern abatement of unsafe buildings and equipment. Any building, structure, or electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system that is unsafe, unsanitary, lacks adequate egress, is a fire hazard, or is otherwise dangerous to life or health is declared an illegal unsafe building. The building official inspects suspect structures, issues a written notice of unsafe building to the owner specifying required repair, vacation, or demolition with deadlines (60 days to secure permits and begin work), and may disconnect utilities to eliminate an immediate hazard. Owners may appeal to the Marion County Code Enforcement Board within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Repair/permit deadlines run 60 days from notice; failure to comply lets the county vacate, post, or demolish the structure and place a lien (with interest) on the property for costs incurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides a building is unsafe in Marion County?
Can I appeal an unsafe building notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Marion County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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