The City of Fort Lauderdale’s code cases are heard by a Special Magistrate.
The Special Magistrate is appointed by the City Commission and has the jurisdiction and authority to hear and rule over code compliance matters. The Special Magistrate is a licensed attorney and a member of the Florida Bar.
The Special Magistrate has the authority to subpoena witnesses and records, order rulings on violations, assess fines and order liens to be placed upon property.
Property owners cited by a Code Compliance Officer are given a reasonable amount of time to bring their property into compliance before the case is referred to the Special Magistrate.
After the Special Magistrate has ruled over a case, failure to correct the open code violations may result in fines of up to $500 a day until such violations are brought into compliance. Failure to comply could result in a lien filed against the title of the property.
If a violation is severe and poses a threat to the health and safety of the neighbors, the city will initiate public nuisance proceedings against the property and correct the nuisance at the expense of the property owner.
Special Magistrate hearings are held at the venue below at 9:00 a.m. on designated dates each month.
Marine Industries Association of South
221 SW 3 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
2nd Floor Meeting Room
Please report to the second floor to sign-in with administrative staff. Cases are heard in the order in which they are signed in.
Agendas and minutes are available for download from the City Clerk's page.