Posted by Garrett Sutton on February 20, 2005 at 15:40:56:
$252,000 for a broken fence and a garbage can? And I thought things were expensive out West. I would see if the city has an ombudsman (or independent referee) to sort this out. Garrett
Lien on Property, City will not resolve! - Posted by JohnP
Posted by JohnP on February 20, 2005 at 15:16:14:
O.K., I have a SFH as a rental in the city of Fort Lauderdale, FL. The city placed a $252,000.00 (1/4 million dollars) lien on the property for a broken fence gate(drug dealers running from the cops) and the garbage pal left out front. The tenant who I was evicting at the time, never informed me. Anyway, I went to the city and they told me that they suspended all lien hearings, due to the fact that they where revising the system. That was two months ago, and it looks like it will not get resolved (maybe) until April or May. I know for a fact that that they have been trying to revise the system since November 2004. I had two buyers for the property, one has dropped out and one is still in there? What recourse do I have? Can I sue the city? There is one city commissioner ( George Gretsas) that is holding this up. I called and tried to have a meeting with him he refuses. When I started to press them on the issue they said “you can pay the fine,” “this is a avenue the city allows you to resolve your fine’s” you should be glad that you have this. Huh, I wonder what would happen if I charged those types of late fees on a tenant for past due rent. What do you think a eviction judge would say? The city has been fining the property for two years. The statue says that they only have to mail to the address on the property appraisor’s card. The deed had the correct mailing address. They also sent a certified letter to the house when it was vacant. The USPS does not mail to vacant homes. I had contact with code enforcement for the last two years on different issues. I always complied, you would think they would mention something to me?
JohnP