Types Of Liens

Code Enforcement Fines

When a property owner does not correct an outstanding Code Enforcement violation cited against a property, the City schedules a hearing before a Special Magistrate. If the violation remains outstanding and is not corrected after two scheduled hearings, the Special Magistrate assesses a fine against the property that accrues on a daily basis.

The City also records the accruing fine as a lien in the public records of Broward County.

Property Maintenance Liens

When owners do not maintain their properties and the City must step in and perform services to prevent unsightly or unsafe conditions, the cost of providing these services is billed to the property owner. If the bill is not paid within 20 days, the City records a lien against the property in the public records of Broward County.

Property maintenance services provided by a city-approved contractor hired by the City include lot mowing, garbage and hard junk removal, tree and hedge trimming, and pool cleaning.

Unsafe Structure / Demolition and Securing Liens

Under limited and usually urgent circumstances, the City must take action to board up and in some cases even demolish unsafe structures on properties. The City bills the property owner for the cost of demolishing or securing the property, which is performed by a city-approved contractor hired by the city.

If the bill is not paid within 20 days, the City records a lien against the property in the public records of Broward County.

Utility Liens

Unpaid charges for utility service including water and sewer service, stormwater drainage, and garbage and commingled waste removal are liens against the property receiving the service.

The City records most liens in the public records of Broward County. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, water and sewer service charges become statutory liens against a property upon becoming past due regardless of whether they are formally recorded in Broward County records.

Pending Liens & Violations

As part of the Lien Search Report, the city will also disclose whether there are pending Code Enforcement violations or Building violations, which can become liens against the property. The City will also indicate whether there are any open Building permits on the property signifying there is work in progress at the property that may need to be completed or for which a final inspection must be scheduled.