Monroe County, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Monroe County Code Sec. 6-27
- Determination
- Made by the Building Official
- Appeal window
- 30 days from notice
- Enforcement body
- Code compliance special magistrate
- Cost recovery
- Lien or suit against the owner
Summary
In the unincorporated Florida Keys (Monroe County), a building the Building Official deems unsafe, fire-hazardous or unsanitary is declared illegal outright under Section 6-27 and must be repaired, rehabilitated or demolished, with costs and liens falling on the owner.
(a)Definitions: ... All buildings, structures, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems which are unsafe, unsanitary, or do not provide adequate egress, or which constitute a fire or windstorm hazard, or are otherwise harmful or dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing use, constitute a hazard to safety or health shall be deemed to be unsafe structures by the Building Official or his/her authorized designee and a permit shall be obtained to demolish the structure or where specifically allowed by this section, to bring the building into compliance with the applicable codes as provided herein. ... (c)Abatement:(1)All unsafe buildings, structures or systems are hereby declared illegal and shall be abated by repair and rehabilitation or demolition. ... (7)The enforcing county department, including but not limited to the code compliance department and the Building Department, may institute a suit to recover such expenses against any liable person or may cause such expenses to be charged against the property on which the violation occurred as an enforceable lien.
Full Breakdown
Monroe County Code Section 6-27 defines an unsafe building broadly to include any building, structure, or electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that is unsafe, unsanitary, lacks adequate egress, is a fire or windstorm hazard, or is otherwise dangerous to life, health or safety. The Building Official or an authorized designee makes that determination against a detailed list of physical criteria in subsection (b), covering everything from loose siding and structural deterioration to unpermitted electrical service, missing potable water or power, storm damage, and illegal occupancy changes.
17 are treated the same way and face demolition if not brought into compliance in a reasonable time. Subsection (d) requires written notice mailed to the owner and posted on the building, explaining the violation, the abatement period, and a 30-day right of appeal; uncured violations go to the code compliance department for prosecution before the code compliance special magistrate, and the Building Official may record the unsafe declaration in the official county records as constructive notice to all future purchasers, mortgagees and lessees. Subsection (e) makes the owner or occupant liable for all abatement costs, and the enforcing department can sue to recover those costs or impose them as an enforceable lien against the property.
Violations & Fines
Uncured unsafe-building violations go to the code compliance special magistrate for prosecution after the notice period lapses, and the county may record the violation against the property, sue the owner for abatement costs, or impose an enforceable lien for all costs incurred under Section 6-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides whether a building in unincorporated Monroe County is unsafe?
What happens after a building is declared unsafe?
Can the county put a lien on my property for an unsafe building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Monroe County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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