Sarasota, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, 1985 ed.
- Filed record date
- May 1, 2000
- Related code
- Standard Housing Code, 1991 ed.
- Enforcement
- Code enforcement special master
Summary
Sarasota adopted the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code by ordinance, and it's unlawful to maintain a building that violates the Standard Housing Code or the Unsafe Building Abatement Code, letting the city order repair or demolition of blighted structures.
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter, repair, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or part thereof within the city in a manner which does not comply with the requirements of the Standard Housing Code, 1991 edition; the requirements of the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, 1985 edition; or the City of Sarasota amendments to such codes... It shall further be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with any order issued pursuant to such codes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Zoning: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 11-2(c) adopts the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, 1985 edition, with city amendments, by reference. Section 11-11(b) makes it unlawful to maintain any building that violates the Standard Housing Code, 1991 edition, the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, or the City of Sarasota Commercial, Business and Industrial Building Minimum Standards Code, and it is also unlawful to disobey any order issued under those codes.
Violations & Fines
Penalty as set forth in § 1-11; also enforceable through the code enforcement special master under Chapter 2, Article V, Division 5, or by equitable action such as an order to repair or demolish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the City of Sarasota force repair of a dangerous building?
What code governs unsafe or blighted buildings in Sarasota?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sarasota
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sarasota to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sarasota County handle property blight.