Bay County, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Sec. 17-1 defines an "unfit or unsafe structure" as one that is unsanitary or improper for its intended use, is a hazard to occupants or the public, is a menace to public health, endangers life or property, or simply fails to meet the county's housing, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, health or fire codes. That definition, plus a bare "any blighted property" entry, are both listed as nuisances under items (2) and (3) of the Sec. 17-1 nuisance definition, alongside a related "attractive nuisance" category covering abandoned buildings with unsound walls, unsafe wiring or unsecured openings that create a danger, particularly to children or as an opportunity for crime.

Once a structure is vacant, Sec. 17-2.1 imposes an affirmative duty on the owner or anyone in control of it: lock, board or otherwise secure every window, door and opening to keep out unauthorized entry, and if a board stays up ten days or longer, paint it in an exterior grade paint matching the building's existing color, so a boarded house does not become a visibly abandoned eyesore. Enforcement runs through chapter 7's special magistrate process: the code enforcement officer must give the owner written notice and a reasonable correction period under Sec. 7-34, and if the violation isn't abated, the magistrate can order the county or a county-authorized vendor to abate it directly, including demolishing the structure, and bill the owner for the reasonable cost of that work in addition to any daily fine, all of which becomes a recorded lien against the property.