Martin County, FL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Property Maintenance Code, Ch. 21
- Who decides
- County Building Official
- Vacant + 180 days
- Can be declared a nuisance
- Remedy for defects
- Correction order, then demolition
Summary
Martin County's Property Maintenance Code lets the Building Official declare any rental or other structure unfit for human occupancy over disrepair, filth, vermin, or missing utilities.
A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the Building Official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by the Property Maintenance Code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Property Maintenance Code, a structure is unfit for human occupancy when the Building Official finds it unsafe, unlawful, or so deteriorated that it is unsanitary, vermin- or rat-infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks required ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities. A structure meeting this standard is condemned, posted, and, if the owner does not correct it, vacated or demolished at the owner's expense under Sections 21.75 through 21.81.
Violations & Fines
Occupying or renting a placarded/condemned structure, or letting anyone occupy one, is a violation carrying the Property Maintenance Code's penalties; uncorrected defects can lead to county demolition billed and liened against the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Martin County force a landlord to fix an unfit rental?
What makes a rental 'unfit for human occupancy' in Martin County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida rental property rules overview
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