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HomeMy WebLinkAbout24 Second Reading of an Ordinance Providing for an Amendment to Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances Related to the Ocoee Code Enforcement Board and Special Magistrate Ordinance City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761 Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: April 7, 2026 Item #: 24 Contact Name: Vincent Ogburn Department Director: Vincent Ogburn Contact Number: Ext. 3038 City Manager: Craig Shadrix Subject: Second Reading of an Ordinance providing for an Amendment to Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances related to the Ocoee Code Enforcement Board and Special Magistrate Ordinance. (Police Chief Ogburn) Background Summary: The First Reading of the Ordinance was held on March 3, 2026. At the February 3, 2026, City Commission meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to reconsider the prior vote to keep the Code Enforcement Board as the body that adjudicates Code Enforcement complaints against residential properties and to move to a Special Magistrate. The attached ordinance amends the ordinance for the Ocoee Code Enforcement Board and Special Magistrate by removing the Code Enforcement Board in its entirety and moving the duties of the Code Enforcement Board to the Special Magistrate. As discussed at the May 20, 2025, December 2, 2025, and most recently the February 3rd City Commission meeting, the proposed changes are in response to repeated difficulties in achieving a quorum for Board meetings, which have resulted in delays in residential code enforcement cases and prolonged non- compliance. These delays have negatively impacted neighborhood appearance and property values. The ordinance transfers all pending cases and all powers of the Code Enforcement Board to the Special Magistrate, who will be authorized pursuant to Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, to conduct hearings, make findings of fact and conclusions of law, and impose administrative fines and other noncriminal penalties. The ordinance establishes qualifications, appointment procedures, and terms for the Special Magistrate, who must be a Florida-licensed attorney with knowledge of municipal law and code enforcement procedures. It also provides for the appointment of a Special Magistrate pro tem in cases of conflict or unavailability. The ordinance sets forth detailed enforcement and hearing procedures, including notice requirements, evidentiary standards, and due process protections. The Special Magistrate is granted authority to assess daily fines for continuing and repeat violations, impose fines for irreparable or irreversible violations, order recovery of the City's enforcement and repair costs, and recommend foreclosure actions to the City Commission. A Special Magistrate's order that imposes fines and is recorded by the City in the Orange County public records becomes a lien on the violator's personal and real property. The ordinance further standardizes procedures for lien reductions, releases, satisfactions, and settlements, including application requirements and review criteria. The fines as set forth in the ordinance are $1,000 per day for a first violation and $5,000 for repeat violations, and $15,000 for violations that are "irreparable or irreversible in nature." These fines are the maximum allowed due to the city's population exceeding 50,000 residents, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Economic and Business Research of the University of Florida ("BEBR") and the United Census Bureau. The Commission can limit fines to $250 per day, $500 for repeat violations, and $5,000 for "irreparable or Page 734 of 812 City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761 Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org irreversible" violations, which are the maximum amounts allowed by Florida Statutes § 162.09 for cities with a population under 50,000. Additionally, the ordinance affirms that code enforcement officers are authorized to patrol the city to identify code violations in addition to investigating allegations of code violations. Final administrative orders of the Special Magistrate may be appealed to the Circuit Court for Orange County within 30 days. The ordinance also establishes a Code Enforcement Recovery Fund for the allocation of collected fines and lien proceeds to support enforcement efforts, nuisance abatement, and related purposes. Issue: Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commission approve an ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Ocoee Code of Ordinances providing for: i) transition from a Code Enforcement Board to a Special Magistrate for residential code enforcement cases, ii) to establish a Code Enforcement Recovery Fund for the allocation of collected fines and lien proceeds to support enforcement efforts, nuisance abatement, and related purposes, and iii) set the daily fines at a maximum $1,000 per day, $5,000 per day for repeat violations, or $15,000 for "irreparable or irreversible" violations, or limit fines to $250 per day, $500 per day for repeat violations, or $5,000 for "irreparable or irreversible" violations? Recommendations: Staff recommends the Honorable Mayor and City Commission approve an ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Ocoee Code of Ordinances providing for: i) transition from a Code Enforcement Board to a Special Magistrate for residential code enforcement cases, ii) to establish a Code Enforcement Recovery Fund for the allocation of collected fines and lien proceeds to support enforcement efforts, nuisance abatement, and related purposes, and iii) set the maximum daily fines at $1,000 per day, $5,000 per day for repeat violations, and $15,000 for "irreparable or irreversible" violations. Attachments: 1. Code Enforcement Timeline 2. Ordinance Creating Office of Special Magistrate 3. Proposed Strikeouts and Deletions - Chapter 7 - Enforcement of Code 4. Business Impact Estimate 5. Advertisement Financial Impacts: The ordinance will not have a financial impact because the costs associated with the Code Enforcement Board Attorney will be transferred to the Magistrate. Type of Item: Second Reading Public Hearing Page 735 of 812 Page 736 of 812 Page 737 of 812 Page 738 of 812 Page 739 of 812 Page 1 of 25 ORDINANCE 2026-_____ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE CREATING THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL MAGISTRATE TO HOLD HEARINGS AND ASSESS FINES AGAINST VIOLATORS OF THE CITY CODES AND ORDINANCES; ABOLISHING THE CITY OF OCOEE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD SUBJECT TO FUTURE REINSTATEMENT; REASSIGNING ALL CASES PENDING BEFORE THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD AND ALL POWERS OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD TO THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE; DEFINING TERMS; SETTING FORTH THE TERMS OF THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AND APPOINTMENT OF A SPECIAL MAGISTRATE PRO TEM; ESTABLISHING CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES; ESTABLISHING HEARING PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS; SETTING FORTH THE POWERS OF THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE; PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE FINES, FINES FOR THE COSTS OF REPAIRS MADE BY THE CITY; LIENS, PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR AND CONSIDERING LIEN REDUCTIONS AND RELEASES, SATISFACTIONS, AND SETTLEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE TO AFFECTED PARTIES; ALLOWING FOR ENFORCEMENT BY OTHER PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPEALS; ESTABLISHING A CODE ENFORCEMENT RECOVERY FUND; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, a qualified Special Magistrate can adjudicate code enforcement cases expeditiously, dispassionately, and without bias; and WHEREAS, City Commission of the City of Ocoee has determined that it is in the best interests of the City to abolish the Code Enforcement Board, subject to future reinstatement in accordance with section 162.05, Florida Statutes, by ordinance, and to transfer all cases and powers of the Code Enforcement Board to a Special Magistrate qualified to hear such cases; and WHEREAS, the City Commission finds, based on data from the Bureau of Economic and Business Research of the University of Florida and the United States Census Bureau, that the Page 740 of 812 Page 2 of 25 population of the City of Ocoee exceeds 50,000 persons, and that a Special Magistrate should have discretion to impose code enforcement fines up to the limit allowed by section 162.09(2)(d) for cities whose population equals or exceeds 50,000; and WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to standardize the procedures for considering applications to reduce or release code enforcement fines and liens; and WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to authorize the City Manager or their designee to recommend the foreclosure of properties with code enforcement liens. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the City Commission of the City of Ocoee that: SECTION 1: AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY CODE Sections 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, 7-5, 7-5.5, 7-6, 7-7, 7-8, 7-9, 7-10, and 7-12 of the Ocoee City Code are stricken in their entirety and amended and re-enacted as shown below. Words that are underlined are additions. Articles, Sections, Subsections and Provisions not referenced in this ordinance or that are not underlined are not modified: § 7-1. Title. This Chapter may be cited as the "Code Enforcement Ordinance." § 7-2. Intent. This Chapter is intended to promote, protect and improve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Ocoee, Florida, by providing for a Special Magistrate with authority to impose administrative fines and other noncriminal penalties to provide an equitable, expeditious, effective and inexpensive means of enforcing the codes and ordinances in force in the City of Ocoee, Florida, where a pending or repeated violation continues to exist. Page 741 of 812 Page 3 of 25 § 7-3. Appointment of Special Magistrate; jurisdiction. A. There is hereby created the office of Special Magistrate of the City of Ocoee, Florida. B. The City of Ocoee, Florida shall appoint a Special Magistrate as provided in this Chapter, with authority under section 162.03, Florida Statutes, to hold hearings and assess fines against violators of the city codes and ordinances. In the event of a conflict of interest or in circumstances when the Special Magistrate is not available due to illness, disability or death, the City Manager or his designee may appoint a Special Magistrate pro tem to undertake the duties of the Special Magistrate. C. The Special Magistrate has jurisdiction to enforce any code or ordinance in force in the City of Ocoee, Florida, where a single or repeated violation has existed or continues to exist. D. It is the legislative intent of this Chapter to provide an additional or supplemental means of obtaining compliance with the codes and ordinances of the City. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall prohibit the City Commission from enforcing such codes and ordinances by any other means. The City Commission may appoint one or more Special Magistrates to hear any or all Code violations in accordance with the procedure shown herein. Any alleged violation of City codes and ordinances may be pursued by appropriate remedy in court, or as may otherwise be provided by law. E. The office of Special Magistrate may be abolished by ordinance. F. The existing City of Ocoee Code Enforcement Board shall be deemed abolished, subject to the future reinstatement by ordinance in accordance with section 162.05, Florida Statutes. All cases before the City of Ocoee Code Enforcement Board shall be deemed reassigned to the Special Magistrate for hearing and adjudication. Page 742 of 812 Page 4 of 25 G. If the office of Special Magistrate is thereafter abolished, all cases pending before the Special Magistrate, and all powers of the Special Magistrate shall be reassigned to the City of Ocoee Code Enforcement Board in accordance with the direction given by the city commission and section 162.05, Florida Statutes, providing for the appointment of a Code Enforcement Board by ordinance. § 7-4. Definitions. As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: CITY — The City of Ocoee, Orange County, Florida. CITY ATTORNEY — The person or law firm appointed by the City Commission to act as attorney and counselor for the City under section C-26 of the City Charter. CITY COMMISSION — The legislative body of the City. CLERK — The person designated by the City Manager to act as Clerk for the Board and Special Magistrate. It includes persons designated to act as Deputy Clerks, as provided in § 7-5H. CODE — The Code of the City of Ocoee. CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD – A board of the City of Ocoee constituted to hear alleged code enforcement violations that was abolished and which may be reestablished by ordinance pursuant to Florida Statutes 162.05. CODE INSPECTOR — Any authorized agent or employee of the City who has, as a duty or as a part of their duties, to assure compliance with the Code or any portion thereof. REPEAT VIOLATION — A violation of a provision of a code or ordinance by a person previously found by the Code Enforcement Board or the Special Magistrate to have violated or who has admitted violating the same provision of the City Code within five years prior to the violation, at the same or different locations. When assessing a fine, the Special Magistrate is not Page 743 of 812 Page 5 of 25 limited to consideration of prior violations more than five years prior to the current violation. SPECIAL MAGISTRATE — The person authorized to hold hearings and assess fines against violators of the City codes and ordinances. § 7-5. Term of Special Magistrate; Clerk for the Special Magistrate. A. The Special Magistrate shall be an attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. The Special Magistrate must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of municipal law and the general procedures for enforcing municipal codes and must demonstrate a temperament suitable for exercising the quasi-judicial powers vested in the office. B. The City Commission shall appoint at least one qualified person to serve as a Special Magistrate. C. The Special Magistrate shall serve for a term of at least one year and may be reappointed by the City Manager for consecutive one-year terms up to five additional years. Although appointed for one-year terms, the Special Magistrate shall be subject to suspension or removal by the City Commission, with or without cause, at any time during their term. The Special Magistrate shall receive compensation for services at a rate determined by the City Commission. The Special Magistrate shall be an independent contractor and not an employee or agent of the City. D. To avoid conflicts of interest, the City Attorney will not be appointed to serve or act as Special Magistrate or as counsel to the Special Magistrate. The city attorney may attend hearings conducted by the Special Magistrate and represent city staff in the presentation of cases, or the code enforcement officer may present cases, at the Page 744 of 812 Page 6 of 25 option of the city manager or his designee depending upon the substance and complexities of any given case. To the extent necessary and consistent with the city's interests in ensuring compliance with City Codes, the city attorney will defend final orders of the Special Magistrate which are appealed by violators to a court of competent jurisdiction. E. The City Manager will designate a City employee as Clerk for the Special Magistrate. The City Manager may designate additional City employees as a Deputy Clerk as deemed appropriate to enable the Special Magistrate to efficiently conduct business. No Board member of the City, the City Attorney, or Code Inspectors shall be the designated Clerk or Deputy Clerk. F. The Clerk to the Special Magistrate will be the custodian of the records of the Special Magistrate, subject to supervision and control of the City Clerk. § 7-6. Procedure. A. A Code Inspector shall patrol the City to identify code violations. In addition, a Code Inspector shall investigate allegations of code violations by complainants who provide their name and address, as required by section 162.21, Florida Statutes. A Code Inspector shall initiate proceedings to enforce the Code. The Special Magistrate may not initiate code enforcement proceedings. B. Except as provided in Subsections C and D, infra, if the Code Inspector finds a violation of the Code, he or she will first give the alleged violator written notice of violation and a reasonable time in which to correct the violation. If the violation continues beyond the time set for correction, the Code Inspector will initiate proceedings before the Special Magistrate by filing a Page 745 of 812 Page 7 of 25 written notice of violation with the Clerk, which shall be served on the alleged violator in accordance with section 162.12, Florida Statutes. The Special Magistrate, through their clerical staff, will schedule a hearing on the alleged violation and give the alleged violator written notice thereof. At the option of the Code Inspector or clerical staff , notice may additionally be served by publication as provided in § 7-10 of this Chapter and by posting at the property where the alleged violation is occurring and at city hall, in accordance with section 162.12, Florida Statues. The notice will inform the alleged violator of the following: (1) The nature of the alleged violation. (2) The time and place of the hearing. (3) The alleged violator may appear in person before the Special Magistrate and present evidence relevant to the matter under consideration, may present witnesses to testify at the hearing, and may be represented by legal counsel of his or her own choosing at his or her own expense, and may, upon request cross examine any witness of the City and present a closing argument. (4) If the violation is corrected and then recurs or if the violation is not corrected by the time specified for correction by the Code Inspector, the case may be presented to the Special Magistrate even though the violation has been corrected before the hearing. C. If a repeat violation is found, the Code Inspector shall notify the violator but is not required to give the violator a reasonable time to correct the violation. The Code Inspector, upon notifying the violator of a repeat violation, shall notify the Special Magistrate and request a hearing. The Special Magistrate, through their clerical staff, shall schedule a hearing and shall provide a Notice of Hearing to the alleged violator pursuant to § 7-10 of this Chapter and section Page 746 of 812 Page 8 of 25 612.12, Florida Statutes. The case may be presented to the Special Magistrate even if the repeat violation has been corrected prior to the Special Magistrate’s hearing. D. If the Code Inspector has reason to believe a violation or the condition causing the violation presents a serious threat to public health, safety, and welfare, or if the violation is irreparable or irreversible in nature, the Code Inspector will make a reasonable effort to notify the violator and may immediately notify the Special Magistrate and request a hearing. E. Transfer of ownership. (1) If the owner of property which is subject to an enforcement proceeding, before the Special Magistrate, transfers ownership of, or any interest in such property between the time the initial notice was provided and the time of the hearing, such owner shall: (a) Disclose, in writing, the existence and the nature of the proceedings to the prospective transferee. (b) Deliver to the prospective transferee a copy of the pleadings, notices, and other materials relating to the code enforcement proceeding received by the transferor. (c) Disclose, in writing, to the prospective transferee that the new owner will be responsible for compliance with the applicable code and with orders issued in the code enforcement proceeding. (d) File a notice with the Code Inspector of the transfer of the property, with the identity and address of the new owner or possessor of a new interest in the Page 747 of 812 Page 9 of 25 property, and copies of the disclosures made to the new owner, within five days after the date of the transfer. (2) A failure to make the disclosures described in Subsections E(1)(a), (b), and (c) above before the transfer creates a rebuttable presumption of fraud. If the property is transferred before the hearing, the proceedings shall not be dismissed, but the new owner shall be provided a reasonable period of time to correct the violation before the hearing is held. § 7-7. Conduct of hearings. A. The Special Magistrate will conduct hearings at each Code Enforcement Hearing. A hearing also may be called by the Special Magistrate, as applicable. Minutes shall be kept of all hearings by the Special Magistrate, and all hearings and proceedings shall be open to the public. B. Cases before the Special Magistrate will be presented by the City Attorney, the Code Inspector, or another member of the City's administrative staff as determined by the City Manager. The Special Magistrate will take testimony from the Code Inspector in each case presented for hearing. If the City prevails in prosecuting a case before the Special Magistrate, the City shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred in prosecuting the case before the Special Magistrate, including, but not limited to, any fees paid to the Special Magistrate. C. Testimony before the Special Magistrate will be under oath and recorded. The Clerk is authorized and empowered to administer oaths to persons testifying before the Special Magistrate, or the Special Magistrate may administer oaths. The Special Magistrate is also authorized and empowered to administer oaths to persons testifying before the Special Magistrate. Page 748 of 812 Page 10 of 25 D. The alleged violator will have the right to appear in person before the Special Magistrate to testify personally and present other evidence relevant to the matter under consideration by the Special Magistrate, to subpoena witnesses to testify at the hearing and to be represented before the Special Magistrate by legal counsel of his own choosing at his own expense. E. Formal rules of evidence will not apply, but fundamental due process will be observed and govern the proceedings. The Special Magistrate may consider any evidence that a reasonable person may rely on. F. At the conclusion of each hearing, the Special Magistrate will issue findings of fact based on the evidence presented during the hearing, conclusions of law, and an order affording proper relief consistent with the powers granted the Special Magistrate by the provisions of this Chapter and chapter 162, Florida Statutes. G. The order may include a notice that it must be complied with by a specified date; that a fine may be imposed and, under the conditions specified in § 7-9 of this Chapter, the cost of repairs may be included along with the fine if compliance does not occur by that date; that the violation is presumed to continue until the violator gives the Code Inspector written evidence establishing compliance to the Code Inspector; that the violator must give the City written notice of compliance before the City will conduct a compliance inspection; and that if the compliance inspection discloses noncompliance, the fine will continue to accrue until compliance occurs. H. A certified copy of such an order may be recorded in the public records of the County and shall constitute notice to any subsequent purchasers, successors in interest or assigns, if the violation concerns real property, and the findings therein shall be binding upon the violator Page 749 of 812 Page 11 of 25 and, if the violation concerns real property, any subsequent purchasers, successors in interest or assigns. If an order is recorded in the public records pursuant to this Subsection and the order is complied with by the date specified in the order, the Special Magistrate shall issue an order acknowledging compliance that the City shall record in the public records. A hearing is not required to issue such an order acknowledging compliance. § 7-8. Powers of Special Magistrate. The Special Magistrate will have the power to: A. Adopt rules for conducting hearings, provided that they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or chapter 162, Florida Statutes. B. Subpoena alleged violators, witnesses, and evidence to its hearings. The Special Magistrate’s rules may provide for the issuance of subpoenas in the name of the Special Magistrate under this provision by its Clerk and, at the request of the Code Inspector, the City Attorney, other members of the City's administrative staff responsible to present cases before the Special Magistrate or the alleged violator. C. Cause subpoenas issued by the Special Magistrate to be served by the City Police Department or the County Sheriff. D. Swear in witnesses and take testimony under oath. E. Issue orders having the force of law to command whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into compliance. F. Assess and order the payment of civil penalties provided herein and in Ch. 162, Florida Statutes. Page 750 of 812 Page 12 of 25 G. Consider, address, and enforce orders previously entered by the city’s former Code Enforcement Board. H. Make recommendations to the City Commission regarding applications for satisfaction, release, or reduction of code enforcement liens. I. Authorize the City Attorney to foreclose on a lien arising from the recording in the official county records of certified copies of the Special Magistrate's orders imposing penalties after six months from the filing of the lien have elapsed and the lien remains unpaid, subject to final approval by the City Commission. J. Hear such cases and appeals as the City Commission may authorize by ordinance. K. Exercise any other powers set forth in this chapter or in chapter 162, Florida Statutes. § 7-9. Administrative fines; repair costs; liens; reductions, satisfactions, and settlements. A. If the Code Inspector notifies the Special Magistrate of a failure to comply with a compliance order of the Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate by the date set in the order, the Special Magistrate may issue an order requiring the violator to pay a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each day the violation continues past the date set by the prior Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate for compliance, and in addition, the fine may include all costs of repairs pursuant to Subsection C of this Section, as authorized by section 162.09, Florida Statutes. B. If the Special Magistrate finds that a repeat violation has been committed, the Special Magistrate may issue an order requiring the violator to pay a fine not to exceed $5,000 for each day the repeat violation continues, beginning with the date the repeat violation is found to Page 751 of 812 Page 13 of 25 have occurred by the Code Inspector, and in addition, the fine may include all costs of repairs pursuant to Subsection C of this Section, as authorized by section 162.09, Florida Statutes. C. If the Special Magistrate finds that a violation is irreparable or irreversible in nature, the Special Magistrate may also impose a fine not to exceed $15,000, as authorized by section 162.09, Florida Statutes. D. In addition, the Special Magistrate may impose additional fines to cover all costs incurred by the city in enforcing its codes and all costs of repairs incurred by the city. Making any repairs does not create a continuing obligation on the part of the City to make further repairs or to maintain the property and does not create any liability against the City for any damages to the property if such repairs were completed in good faith. D. No fine shall be issued without an evidentiary hearing establishing that a violator has failed to comply with an order of the Special Magistrate to cease violating the city code. Fines may accrue until such time as the violator notifies the Code Inspector and establishes compliance, with the Code Inspector shall confirm. The Code Inspector shall thereafter notify the Special Magistrate who shall issue an order acknowledging compliance, which shall be recorded in the public records. A hearing shall not be required to issue such an order acknowledging compliance, pursuant to sec. 162.07(4), Florida Statutes. E. In determining the amount of any fine, the Special Magistrate will consider the following factors: (1) The gravity of the violation. (2) Any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation. Page 752 of 812 Page 14 of 25 (3) Any previous violations committed by the violator. F. City policy is to accomplish compliance with the City Code as economically as possible for all parties. Therefore, after a property owner has been properly noticed of a violation but prior to a hearing before the Special Magistrate, the City Manager or their designee is authorized to enter into negotiations to reach a settlement agreement with the violator. Failure of the violator to comply with the settlement agreement or a recurrence of the violation shall result in prosecution of the original violation as well as any repeat violation. The City Manager or designee shall establish the perimeters to be followed for settlement negotiations. Pre-hearing settlement negotiations shall not be grounds for continuing or otherwise delaying a hearing on the violation unless agreed to in writing by both parties. § 7.9.1. Liens on Property of the Violator and Foreclosure. A. After the hearing before the Special Magistrate, a certified copy of an order imposing a fine, or a fine plus repair costs, may be recorded in the official County records and will thereafter constitute a lien against the land on which the violation exists and on any other real or personal property owned by the violator. Upon petition to the Circuit Court, such order shall be enforceable in the same manner as a court judgment by the Sheriffs of Florida, including execution and levy against the personal property of the violator, but such order shall not be deemed to be a court judgment except for enforcement purposes. B. A fine imposed pursuant to this Chapter shall continue to accrue until the violator comes into compliance or until judgment is rendered in a suit filed pursuant to this Section, whichever occurs first. A lien arising from a fine imposed pursuant to this Section Page 753 of 812 Page 15 of 25 runs in favor of the City, and the City Commission may execute a satisfaction, reduction, or release of a lien entered pursuant to this Section, unless otherwise provided herein. C. Six months after the filing of any code enforcement lien that remains unpaid, the City will undertake a review to determine whether to recommend foreclosure to the Special Magistrate. Upon a duly noticed hearing, the Special Magistrate may authorize the City Attorney to foreclose on the lien or to sue to recover a money judgment for the amount of the lien plus accrued interest. No lien created pursuant to the provisions of this part may be foreclosed on real property which is a homestead under § 4, Article X of the Florida Constitution. The money judgment provisions of this Section shall not apply to real property or personal property which is covered under § 4(a), Article X of the Florida Constitution. D. After an order assessing a fine against a violator has been issued and compliance has been achieved, nothing herein shall prohibit the City Commission, or City Manager or their designee from reducing, eliminating, satisfying, or otherwise settling the assessed fine or lien or the Special Magistrate from recommending that the City Commission or City Manager or designee reduce, eliminate, satisfy, or otherwise settle the assessed fine or lien. The City Manager or designee shall establish the procedures to be followed for reducing, eliminating, satisfying, or otherwise settling the assessed fine or lien and for recording satisfaction thereof in the official County records. E. The lien will be automatically extinguished 20 years after the date the certified copy of the order imposing a fine is recorded, unless within that time the City commences an action pursuant to this chapter in a court of competent jurisdiction. In an action to foreclose on a lien or Page 754 of 812 Page 16 of 25 for a money judgment, the prevailing party is entitled to recover all costs, including a reasonable attorney's fee, that it incurs in the action. The City Commission shall be entitled to collect all costs incurred in recording and satisfying a valid lien. Commencement of an action pursuant to § 7-9 of this chapter will not cause a continuation of the lien as against creditors or subsequent purchasers for valuable consideration without notice, unless a notice of lis pendens is recorded. F. The Clerk is authorized and empowered to issue certified copies of the Special Magistrate's records. G. Actions for money judgments under this Chapter may be pursued on fines levied after October 1, 2000. H Application for the satisfaction, release, or reduction of code enforcement liens. (1) Lien satisfaction. Upon full payment by the applicant of the fine or penalty imposed in accordance with this division, the city manager is hereby authorized to execute and record in the public records of Orange County, Florida, a satisfaction of lien on behalf of the City. The applicant shall be responsible for paying all costs of recording. (2) Requests for lien release or reduction. Upon request for a release or reduction of a fine or lien imposed in accordance with this division, the applicant shall submit a written application to the city manager or designee, in accordance with this section. (a) Application. The application for release or reduction of lien shall be in written form, typed or handwritten, by the applicant and shall be submitted to the city manager, or their designee. The application shall be executed Page 755 of 812 Page 17 of 25 under oath and sworn to in the presence of a notary public, and shall include, but may not be limited to, the following: i. A copy of the order imposing a lien upon the property including the code enforcement case number; ii. The date upon which the applicant brought the subject property into compliance with the City Code; iii. The basis upon which the applicant believes the application for release or reduction of lien should be granted; iv. The terms upon which the release or reduction of lien should be granted; v. The reasons, if any, compliance was not obtained prior to the order of penalty or fine being recorded; vi. The amount of reduction in fines or lien sought by the applicant; vii. A statement verifying whether the applicant was issued any title policy or policies for the subject property encumbered by the lien after the date the lien was recorded in the public records of Orange County, Florida. If such a policy or policies were issued to the applicant, a copy of any such title policy shall be submitted with the application; viii. Any other information which the applicant deems pertinent to the request, including but not limited to the circumstances that exist Page 756 of 812 Page 18 of 25 which would warrant the reduction or satisfaction of the penalty or fine. (b) Application Fees. The applicant shall submit, at the time of application, any application fee established by the city to defray some or all costs incurred by the City in processing the application including, but not limited to, personnel, legal, and costs associated with recording the order imposing a penalty or fine and the requested release or reduction of lien. The application fee is nonrefundable, without regard to the final disposition of the application. (c) Application review. Upon receipt of the application and payment of the application fee provided above, the code enforcement division shall confirm that the violation, which resulted in the order imposing penalty or fine, has been corrected. If the violation has been corrected and there are no current code violation(s) upon the property in question, the code enforcement division shall place the application and a staff recommendation upon the agenda of the next meeting of the Special Magistrate for a hearing and recommendation to the city commission. (d) At a duly noticed hearing, the Special Magistrate shall review and consider the application for reduction or release of lien, provide the violator with an opportunity to address the Special Magistrate regarding the application for reduction or release of lien, and to take the testimony of other interested parties, including but not limited to city staff. (e) The Special Magistrate shall render a written recommendation to Page 757 of 812 Page 19 of 25 the city commission based on findings of fact and law to either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application for reduction or release of lien. The city commission shall consider and give considerable weight to the written recommendation of the Special Magistrate and render a final decision on the application. (3) The Special Magistrate, in making a recommendation, and the city commission, in making a final decision, shall consider and apply the following factors in determining the amount of any reduction or release of lien: (a) The amount of any administrative and out-of-pocket costs incurred by the city which are directly associated with the underlying code enforcement case and lien including, but not limited to, code enforcement staff and attorney time, postage, advertising and recording costs, and other city expenses related to any measure taken to abate a nuisance caused by the violation; (b) The gravity and number of the violation(s); (c) The amount of the requested reduction; (d) The time in which it took to bring the property into compliance; (e) Whether the applicant was responsible for the violation which caused the lien; (f) Whether the applicant is or will be a bona fide purchaser of the subject property and is filing or has filed for a homestead exemption evidencing a desire to reside within the city on a non-transient basis, or whether the property is or will be Page 758 of 812 Page 20 of 25 acquired for investment or other purposes; (g) Whether the applicant acquired the subject property with knowledge of the subject lien or should have knowledge of the lien through reasonable due diligence; (h) The accrued amount of the code enforcement fine or lien as compared to the current market value of the property; (i) With respect to a speculator, non-homestead purchaser of the subject property, the accrued amount of the code enforcement fine or lien as compared to the investment/profit that will be gained as a result of the purchase or sale of the property and the reduction or satisfaction; (j) Any previous or subsequent violations pertaining to the property unless an order finding a violation is under appeal at the time of determination; (k) Any previous or subsequent violations of the applicant pertaining to the other properties owned within city, unless an order finding a violation is under appeal at the time of determination; (l) Any relevant information contained in any title policy required to be submitted to the city under this section; (m) Any financial hardship; (n) Any other mitigating circumstance which may warrant the reduction or satisfaction of the penalty or fine; and (o) Any other administrative review criteria relevant to whether it is equitable to reduce or release a lien which are adopted by the city manager, in writing, Page 759 of 812 Page 21 of 25 and are intended to be applied to all applications on a uniform basis. (4) Any fine or lien reduction approved by the city commission shall, to the maximum extent feasible, provide for the city to collect, at a minimum, all administrative and out-of-pocket costs incurred by the city with respect to the violation(s) at issue. If the city commission approves the application to reduce or release the lien and the approval is conditioned upon the applicant paying a reduced penalty, fine, or any other condition, the satisfaction or release of lien shall not be prepared or recorded in the public records of Orange County, Florida by the city manager until the condition(s) imposed by the city commission have been satisfied. (5) The applicant shall have 30 days, or such time period determined by the city commission in a written agreement, in which to comply with any decision of or condition imposed by the city commission or the application shall be deemed automatically denied and thereafter, the applicant shall be barred from applying for a subsequent reduction or release of lien for a period of one year from the date of the city commission's decision. During the one-year period, the lien may only be satisfied and released upon full payment of the fine or penalty imposed in accordance with this division. (6) When a lien is satisfied as a result of reduced payment or release as ordered by the city commission, the city manager or their designee is hereby authorized to execute and record in the public records of Orange County, Florida, a satisfaction of lien on behalf of the city. Page 760 of 812 Page 22 of 25 § 7-10. Notices. A. All notices required by this Chapter will be provided to the alleged violator by: (1) Certified mail, return receipt requested, provided that if such notice is sent under this Subsection to the owner of the property in question at the address listed in the Tax Collector's office for tax notices, and at any other address provided to the City by such owner and is returned as unclaimed or refused, notice may be provided by posting as described in Subsection B below and by first-class mail directed to the addresses furnished to the City with a properly executed proof of mailing or affidavit confirming the first-class mailing; (2) Hand delivery by the Sheriff or other law enforcement officer or Code Inspector or process server designated pursuant to Ch. 48, Florida Statutes; (3) Leaving the notice at the violator's usual place of residence with any person residing therein who is above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents of the notice; or (4) In the case of commercial premises, leaving the notice with the manager or other person in charge. B. In addition to providing notice as set forth in Subsection A, at the option of the Code Inspector, notice may also be served by publication or posting, as follows: (1) Such notice shall be published once during each week for four consecutive weeks, four publications being sufficient, in a newspaper of general circulation in Orange Page 761 of 812 Page 23 of 25 County. The newspaper must meet such requirements as are prescribed under Ch. 50, Florida Statutes, for legal and official advertisements. Proof of publication shall be made as provided in §§ 50.041 and 50.051, Florida Statutes. (2) In lieu of publication as described in Subsection B(1), such notice may be posted at least ten days prior to the hearing, or prior to the expiration of any deadline contained in the notice, in at least two locations, one of which shall be the property upon which the violation is alleged to exist and the other of which shall be at city hall where notices are customarily posted. Proof of posting shall be by affidavit of the person posting the notice, which affidavit shall include a copy of the notice posted and the date and places of its posting. (3) Notice by publication may run concurrently with or may follow an attempt or attempts to provide notice by hand delivery or by mail as required under Subsection A. Evidence that an attempt has been made to hand deliver or mail notice as provided in Subsection A, together with proof of publication or posting as provided in Subsection B, will be sufficient to show that the notice requirements of this Chapter have been met without regard to whether or not the alleged violator actually received such notice. § 7-11. Enforcement by other provisions. Nothing in this Chapter will be deemed to prohibit the City from enforcing its codes by any other means; the provisions of this Chapter are merely an additional or supplemental means of obtaining compliance with the City's codes. § 7-12. Appeals. Except as provided in Section 7-9 or otherwise in the city code, final administrative orders Page 762 of 812 Page 24 of 25 of the Special Magistrate may be appealed to the Circuit Court for Orange County, Florida, by any aggrieved party to the proceeding in which the order is issued, including the City, provided that the appeal is filed within 30 days of execution of the order to be appealed. § 7-13. Code Enforcement Recovery Fund. The City shall establish on its financial records an internal account consisting of monies recovered because of code enforcement fines and liens. The City may allocate such funds to pay for the Special Magistrate’s fees, for repair and maintenance costs to abate nuisances and bring properties into compliance with City Code, to purchase nuisance properties, and for such other purposes as the city commission may established by resolution. SECTION 2: SEVERABILITY AND CORRECTION OF ERRORS. The provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable and if any section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Ordinance or the application as to any person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other sections or words or applications of this Ordinance. If any part of this Ordinance is found to be preempted or otherwise superseded, the remainder of this Ordinance shall nevertheless be given full force and effect to the extent permitted by the severance of such preempted or superseded part. The City Clerk is given liberal authority to ensure proper codification of this Ordinance, including the right to correct scrivener’s errors. SECTION 3: CONFLICTS. In the event of a conflict between this Ordinance and any other ordinance of the City of Ocoee, this Ordinance shall control to the extent of any such conflict. SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and in accordance with Florida law. Page 763 of 812 Page 25 of 25 PASSED AND ADOPTED this _______ day of ____________________, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA _________________________________ Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor (SEAL) ADVERTISED _________________, 2026 READ FIRST TIME __________________, 2026. READ SECOND TIME AND ADOPTED ______________________________, 2026. UNDER AGENDA ITEM NO. __________ FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA; APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY this ___ day of _____________, 2026. By: ______________________________ Richard S. Geller City Attorney S:\AKA\CLIENTS\Ocoee, City of\Code Enforcement O164-27493\Ordinance Assigning Special Magistrate to Residential Cases\Ordinance Creating Office of Special Magistrate - rsg - 2 19 25.docx Page 764 of 812 Ocoee, Florida, Code of Ordinances  Chapter 7 ENFORCEMENT OF CODE        Ocoee, Florida, Code of Ordinances    Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 1 of 13  Chapter 7   ENFORCEMENT OF CODE  [HISTORY: Adopted by the City Commission of the City of Ocoee 6‐16‐1981 as Ord. No. 741 (Ch. 7.5 of the 1977  Code of Ordinances); amended in its entirety 9‐1‐1987 by Ord. No. 1004; and 1‐17‐2017 by Ord. No. 2017‐005.  Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]  GENERAL REFERENCES  General penalty — See Ch. 1, Art. II.  § 7‐1. Title.  This Chapter may be cited as the "Ocoee Code Enforcement Board and Special MagistrateCode Enforcement  Ordinance."   § 7‐2. Intent.  This Chapter is intended to promote, protect and improve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of  the City of Ocoee, Florida, by creating an Administrative Board and providing for a Special Magistrate with  authority to impose administrative fines and other noncriminal penalties to provide an equitable, expeditious,  effective and inexpensive means of enforcing the codes and ordinances in force in the City of Ocoee, Florida,  where a pending or repeated violation continues to exist.   § 7‐3. Establishment Appointment of Code Enforcement Board and Special Magistrate;  jurisdiction.  A. There is hereby created the office of Special Magistrate of the City of Ocoee, Florida.The City of Ocoee,  Florida, will have one Administrative Board  a Special Magistrate as provided in this Chapter. and which will  be called the "Code Enforcement Board of the City of Ocoee, Florida."   B. There is hereby created the office of Special Magistrate of the City of Ocoee, Florida, which will be called the  "Code Enforcement Special Magistrate." The City of Ocoee, Florida shall appoint  a Special Magistrate as  provided in this Chapter, with authority under Florida Statutes § 162.03, to hold hearings and assess fines  against violators of the city codes and ordinances.  In the event of a conflict of interest or in circumstances  when the Special Magistrate is not available due to illness, disability or death, the City Manager or his  designee may appoint a Special Magistrate pro tem to undertake the duties of the Special Magistrate.    C. Both the Board and The Special Magistrate will havehas jurisdiction to enforce any of the codes andor  ordinances in force in the City of Ocoee, Florida, where a pending single or repeated violation has existed or  continues to exist. The jurisdiction of the Board and Special Magistrate shall be nonexclusive; provided,  however, that the Board  Special Magistrate shall have primary jurisdiction regarding violations relating to  residentially zoned properties and the Special Magistrate shall have primary jurisdiction regarding violations  relating to properties zoned other than residential. Deviations from the primary jurisdiction set forth above  shall be made by the City Manager or designee who shall have final jurisdictional authority. Deviations may  be made at the direction of the City Manager or designee on violations involving matters including, but not  limited to, the land development code, life safety issues, a conflict of interest, demolition, eviction, and/or  chronic or repeat offenders.   Page 765 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:16 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 2 of 13  D. It is the legislative intent of this Chapter to provide an additional or supplemental means of obtaining  compliance with the codes and ordinances of the City.  Nothing contained in this Chapter shall prohibit the  City Commission from enforcing such codes and ordinances by any other means. The City Commission may  appoint one or more Special Magistrates to hear any or all Code violations in accordance with the procedure  shown herein. Any alleged violation of City codes and ordinances may be pursued by appropriate remedy in  court, or as may otherwise be provided by law.   E. The Code Enforcement Board or office of Special Magistrate may be abolished by ordinance.  F. The existing City of Ocoee Code Enforcement Board shall be deemed abolished, subject to the future  reinstatement by ordinance in accordance with section 162.05, Florida Statutes.  All cases before the City of  Ocoee Code Enforcement Board shall be deemed reassigned to the Special Magistrate for hearing and  adjudication.    G. If the office of Special Magistrate is thereafter abolished, all cases pending before the Special Magistrate, and  all powers of the Special Magistrate shall be reassigned to the City of Ocoee Code Enforcement Board in  accordance with the direction given by the city commission and section 162.05, Florida Statutes, providing  for the appointment of a Code Enforcement Board.    § 7‐4. Definitions.  As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:   BOARD — The Code Enforcement Board of the City.   BOARD ATTORNEY — The person appointed by the City Commission pursuant to § 7‐5A of this Chapter  to act as legal counsel for the Board.   CITY — The City of Ocoee, Orange County, Florida.   CITY ATTORNEY — The person or law firm appointed by the City Commission to act as attorney and  counselor for the City under section C‐26 of the City Charter.   CITY COMMISSION — The legislative body of the City.   CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD – A board of the City of Ocoee constituted to hear alleged code  enforcement violations that was abolished and which may be reestablished by ordinance pursuant to  Florida Statutes 162.05.  CLERK — The person designated by the City Manager to act as Clerk for the Board and Special  Magistrate. It includes persons designated to act as Deputy Clerks, as provided in § 7‐5H.   CODE — The Code of the City of Ocoee.   CODE INSPECTOR — Any authorized agent or employee of the City who has, as a duty or as a part of his  their duties, the duty to assure compliance with the Code or any portion thereof.   REPEAT VIOLATION — A violation of a provision of a code or ordinance by a person who has been  previously found through by the Code Enforcement Board andor the Special Magistrate to have  violated or who has admitted violating the same provision of the City Code within five years prior to  the violation, at the same or different locations.  notwithstanding the violations which occurred at  different locations.   SPECIAL MAGISTRATE (or Code Enforcement Special Magistrate) — The person authorized to hold  hearings and assess fines against violators of the City codes and ordinances.   Formatted: Underline Page 766 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:16 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 3 of 13  § 7‐5. Membership of Board; terms of office; organization.  A. The City Commission will appoint a seven‐member Board and a Board Attorney. The City Commission  may appoint up to two alternate members to serve on the Board in the absence of Board members.  Board members will be residents of the City. Appointments will be made on the basis of experience or  interest in code enforcement, in the sole discretion of the City Commission. Board membership will,  when practicable, include an architect, a businessman, an engineer, a general contractor, a  subcontractor and a realtor.   B. The initial appointments to the Board will be as follows:   (1) Two members shall be appointed for terms of one year each.   (2) Three members shall be appointed for terms of two years each.   (3) Two members shall be appointed for terms of three years each.   C. All subsequent regular appointments to the Board will be for terms of three years.   D. If a Board member fails to attend two of three successive Board meetings without cause and without  prior approval of the Board Chairman, the Board will declare the member's office vacant and promptly  report the vacancy to the City Commission, which will promptly fill the vacancy. Appointment to fill a  vacancy on the Board will be for the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacant office.   E. Board members will serve without compensation and at the pleasure of the City Commission. Board  members may be reimbursed for travel, mileage and per diem expenses as authorized by the City  Commission.   F. Board members will elect a Chairman (who will be a voting member) from the Board members. The  presence of four or more members will constitute a quorum of the Board.   G. The City Attorney will not be appointed to be or act as the Board Attorney.   H. The City Manager will designate a City employee as Clerk for the Board. The City Manager may  designate additional City employees as Deputy Clerks as he deems appropriate to the efficient conduct  of the Board's business. Board members, the Board Attorney, the City Attorney and Code Inspectors  will not be the designated Clerk or Deputy Clerk.   I. The Clerk will be the custodian of the records of the Board, subject to supervision and control of the  City Clerk.   J. The Board Attorney will serve at the City Commission's pleasure.   § 7‐5.5. Term of Special Magistrate; Clerk for Special Magistrate.  A. The City Commission is authorized and hereby provides for the designation of one or more  a Code  Enforcement Special Magistrates for the purposes of conducting administrative hearings regarding  Code violation cases brought by Code Inspectors.   B. The Code Enforcement Special Magistrate shall be an attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State  of Florida. The Special Magistrate must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of municipal law and the  general procedures for enforcing municipal codes and must demonstrate a temperament suitable for  exercising the quasi‐judicial powers vested in the office.   C. The City may utilize the services of one or more a  Code Enforcement Special Magistrate(s) to conduct  hearings concerning codes and ordinances in force within the City. The City Commission shall, on an  Page 767 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:16 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 4 of 13  annual basis,  appoint at least one qualified person to serve as a Code Enforcement Special  Magistrate(s).   D. Each The Code Enforcement Special Magistrate shall serve for a term of at least one year, and may be  reappointed by the City Manager for consecutive one‐year terms up to five additional years. Although  appointed for one‐year terms, the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate(s) shall be subject to  suspension or removal by the City Commission, with or without cause, from his or her position at any  time during his or her their term. The Code Enforcement Special Magistrate(s) shall not be considered  to be a City employees, though they may receive compensation for their services at a rate to be  determined by the City Commission.  The Special Magistrate shall be as an independent contractor and  not an employee or agent of the City..   E. To avoid conflicts of interest, Tthe City Attorney will not be appointed to be serve or act as the Code  Enforcement Special Magistrate or as counsel to the Special Magistrate. The city attorney may attend  hearings conducted by the Special Magistrate and represent city staff in the presentation of cases, or  the code enforcement officer may present cases, at the option of the city manager or his designee  depending upon the substance and complexities of any given case. To the extent necessary and  consistent with the city's interests in ensuring compliance with City Codes, the city attorney will defend  final orders of the Special Magistrate which are appealed by violators to a court of competent  jurisdiction.  F. The City Manager will designate a City employee as Clerk for the Special Magistrate. The City Manager  may designate additional City employees as a Deputy Clerks as he deemeds appropriate to enable the  Special Magistrate to the efficiently conduct of the Special Magistrate's business. No Board members of  the City, the City Attorney, and or Code Inspectors will not shall be the designated Clerk or Deputy  Clerk.   G. The Clerk to the Special Magistrate will be the custodian of the records of the Special Magistrate,  subject to supervision and control of the City Clerk.   § 7‐6. Procedure.  A. It will be the duty of the A Code Inspector shall have the duty to initiate proceedings to enforce the  Code. No member in the capacity as of the Board or The Special Magistrate may not initiate Code  enforcement proceedings.   B. Except as provided in Subsections C and D, infra, if the Code Inspector finds a violation of the Code, he  or she will first give the alleged violator written notice of violationthereof and a reasonable time in  which to correct the violation. If the violation continues beyond the time set for correction, the Code  Inspector will initiate proceedings before the Board or Special Magistrate by filing a written statement  notice of violations with the Clerk, which shall be served on the alleged violator in accordance with  section 162.12, Florida Statutes. The Board or Special Magistrate, through its their clerical staff, will  schedule a hearing on the alleged violation and give the alleged violator written notice thereof. At the  option of the Code Inspector or clerical staff Board or Special Magistrate, notice may additionally be  served by publication as provided in § 7‐10 of this Chapter and by posting at the property where the  alleged violation is occurring and at city hall, in accordance with section 162.12, Florida Statues. The  notice will inform the alleged violator of the following:   (1) The nature of the alleged violation.   (2) The time and place of the hearing.   (3) The alleged violator may appear in person before the Board or Special Magistrate and present  evidence relevant to the matter under consideration by the Board or Special Magistrate, may  Formatted: Font: Italic Page 768 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 5 of 13  subpoena present witnesses to testify at the hearing, and may be represented before the Board  or Special Magistrate by legal counsel of his or her own choosing at his or her own expense, and  may, upon request cross examine any witness of the City and present a closing argument.   (4) If the violation is corrected and then recurs or if the violation is not corrected by the time  specified for correction by the Code Inspector, the case may be presented to the Board or Special  Magistrate even though the violation has been corrected before the hearing.   C. If a repeat violation is found, the Code Inspector shall notify the violator, but is not required to give the  violator a reasonable time to correct the violation. The Code Inspector, upon notifying the violator of a  repeat violation, shall notify the Board or Special Magistrate and request a hearing. The Board or  Special Magistrate, through its their clerical staff, shall schedule a hearing and shall provide a nNotice  of Hearing to the alleged violator pursuant to § 7‐10 of this Chapter and section 612.12, Florida  Statutes. The case may be presented to the Board or Special Magistrate even if the repeat violation has  been corrected prior to the Board or Special Magistrate’s hearing, and the notice shall so state.   D. If the Code Inspector has reason to believe a violation or the condition causing the violation presents a  serious threat to public health, safety, and welfare, or if the violation is irreparable or irreversible in  nature, the Code Inspector will make a reasonable effort to notify the violator and may immediately  notify the Board or Special Magistrate and request a hearing.   E. Transfer of ownership.   (1) If the owner of property which is subject to an enforcement proceeding, before the Board or  Special Magistrate, transfers ownership of, or any interest in such property between the time the  initial notice was provided and the time of the hearing, such owner shall:   (a) Disclose, in writing, the existence and the nature of the proceedings to the prospective  transferee.   (b) Deliver to the prospective transferee a copy of the pleadings, notices, and other materials  relating to the code enforcement proceeding received by the transferor.   (c) Disclose, in writing, to the prospective transferee that the new owner will be responsible  for compliance with the applicable code and with orders issued in the code enforcement  proceeding.   (d) File a notice with the Code Inspector of the transfer of the property, with the identity and  address of the new owner or possessor of a new interest in the property, and copies of the  disclosures made to the new owner, within five days after the date of the transfer.   (2) A failure to make the disclosures described in Subsections E(1)(a), (b), and (c) above before the  transfer creates a rebuttable presumption of fraud. If the property is transferred before the  hearing, the proceedings shall not be dismissed, but the new owner shall be provided a  reasonable period of time to correct the violation before the hearing is held.   § 7‐7. Conduct of hearings.  A. The Board Special Magistrate will conduct hearings at each Code Enforcement Hearing Board meeting,  unless there are no matters then pending before the Board for hearing. A hearing also may be called  either by the Chairman of the Board, by written notice signed by at least three members of the Board,  or by the Special Magistrate, as applicable. Minutes shall be kept of all hearings by the Board and  Special Magistrate, and all hearings and proceedings shall be open to the public.   B. Cases before the Board or Special Magistrate will be presented by the City Attorney, the Code  Inspector, or another member of the City's administrative staff as determined by the City Manager. The  Page 769 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 6 of 13  Board or Special Magistrate will take testimony from the Code Inspector in each case presented to the  Board or Special Magistrate for hearing. If the City prevails in prosecuting a case before the Board or  Special Magistrate, the City shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred in prosecuting the case before  the Board or Special Magistrate, including, but not limited to, any fees paid to the Special Magistrate.   C. Testimony before the Board or Special Magistrate will be under oath and shall be recorded. The Clerk is  authorized and empowered to administer oaths to persons testifying before the Board or Special  Magistrate, or the Special Magistrate may administer oaths. The Board Chairman or presiding Board  member, Special Magistrate, and Board Attorney are also is authorized and empowered to administer  oaths to persons testifying before the Board or Special Magistrate.   D. The alleged violator will have the right to appear in person before the Board or Special Magistrate, to  testify personally and present other evidence relevant to the matter under consideration by the Board  or Special Magistrate, to subpoena witnesses to testify at the hearing and to be represented before the  Board or Special Magistrate by legal counsel of his own choosing at his own expense.   E. Formal rules of evidence will not apply, but fundamental due process will be observed and govern the  proceedings.  The Special Magistrate may consider any evidence that a reasonable person may rely on.    F. At the conclusion of each hearing, the Board or Special Magistrate will issue findings of fact based on  the evidence presented during the hearing, and conclusions of law, and will issue an order affording  proper relief consistent with the powers granted the Board or Special Magistrate by the provisions of  this Chapter and chapter 162, Florida Statutes.   G. Findings by the Board will be by motion approved by a majority of those members present and voting,  but at least four members present must vote on the motion for the action to be official.   G.H. The order may include a notice that it must be complied with by a specified date; that a fine may be  imposed and, under the conditions specified in § 7‐9C of this Chapter, the cost of repairs may be  included along with the fine if compliance does not occur by that date; that the violation is presumed  to continue until the violator gives the City written notice of compliance; that the violator must give  the City written notice of compliance before the City will conduct a compliance inspection; and that if  the compliance inspection discloses noncompliance, the fine will continue to accrue until compliance  occurs. A certified copy of such an order may be recorded in the public records of the County and shall  constitute notice to any subsequent purchasers, successors in interest or assigns, if the violation  concerns real property, and the findings therein shall be binding upon the violator and, if the violation  concerns real property, any subsequent purchasers, successors in interest or assigns. If an order is  recorded in the public records pursuant to this Subsection and the order is complied with by the date  specified in the order, the Board or Special Magistrate shall issue an order acknowledging compliance  that shall be recorded in the public records. A hearing is not required to issue such an order  acknowledging compliance.   § 7‐8. Powers of Board and Special Magistrate.  The Board and/or Special Magistrate will have the power to:   A. Board adopt rules for its administration and Board and Special Magistrate to aAdopts rules for the  conducting of its hearings, provided that they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this cChapter  or Cch. 162, Florida Statutes.   B. Subpoena alleged violators, witnesses, and evidence to its hearings. The Board or Special Magistrate’s  rules may, by its rules, provide for the issuance of subpoenas in the name of the Board or Special  Magistrate under this provision by its Clerk and, at the request of the Code Inspector, the City  Page 770 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 7 of 13  Attorney, other members of the City's administrative staff responsible to present cases before the  Board or Special Magistrate or the alleged violator.   C. Cause subpoenas issued by the Board or Special Magistrate to be served by the City Police Department  or the County Sheriff.   D. Swear in witnesses and Ttake testimony under oath.   E. Issue orders having the force of law to command whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into  compliance.   F. Assess and order the payment of civil penalties provided herein and in Ch. 162, Florida Statutes.    G. Consider, address, and enforce orders previously entered by the city’s Code Enforcement Board.  F.H. Make recommendations to the City Commission regarding applications for satisfaction, release, or  reduction of code enforcement liens.   F. I. Authorize the City Attorney to foreclose on a lien arising from the recording in the official county  records of certified copies of the Board or Special Magistrate's orders imposing penalties after three six  months from the filing of the lien have elapsed and the lien remains unpaid, subject to final approval  by the City Commission.   J. Hear such cases and appeals as the City Commission may authorize by ordinance.  K.       Exercise any other powers set forth in this chapter or in chapter 162, Florida Statutes. § 7‐9. Administrative fines; costs of repairs costs; liens; reductions, satisfactions, and  settlements.  A. If the Code Inspector notifies the Board or Special Magistrate of a failure to comply with a compliance  order of the Board or Special Magistrate by the date set in the order, the Board or Special Magistrate  may issue an order requiring the violator to pay a fine not to exceed $250 $500 for each day the  violation continues past the date set by the prior Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate for  compliance, and in addition, the fine may include all costs of repairs pursuant to Subsection C of this  Section.   B. If the Code Inspector notifies the Board or Special Magistrate and the Board or Special Magistrate so  finds that a repeat violation has been committed, the Board or Special Magistrate may issue an order  requiring the violator to pay a fine not to exceed $500$1000 for each day the repeat violation  continues, beginning with the date the repeat violation is found to have occurred by the Code  Inspector, and in addition, the fine may include all costs of repairs pursuant to Subsection C of this  Section.   C. If the Special Magistrate finds that a violation is irreparable or irreversible in nature, the Special  Magistrate may impose a fine not to exceed $5,000.  D. C. In addition, if the violation is a violation described in § 7‐6D of this Chapter, the Board or Special  Magistrate shall notify the City Commission,the Special Magistrate may impose additional fines to  cover all costs incurred by the city in enforcing its codes and all costs of repairs incurred by the city.  which may make all reasonable repairs which are required to bring the property into compliance and  charge the violator with the reasonable cost of the repairs, along with the fine imposed pursuant to  this Section. Making such any repairs does not create a continuing obligation on the part of the City to  make further repairs or to maintain the property and does not create any liability against the City for  any damages to the property if such repairs were completed in good faith.   Formatted: Strikethrough Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.33" Commented [RG1]: Chapter 162 ordinarily limits fines to  $250 per day, per violation or $500 per day, per violation for  repeat violations.  However, a municipality with a  population equal or greater than 50,000 may adopt, by a  vote of at least a majority plus one of the entire governing  body, an ordinance that allows fines of up to $1,000 per day  for a first violation, $5,000 per day for a repeat violation,  and $15,000 for irreparable or irreversible violations.  Fla.  Stat. sec. 162.09(2)(d).      We need census confirmation that Ocoee’s population  exceeds 50,000 and direction from the City Commission to  exceed $250/$500.    Page 771 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 8 of 13  D. No fine shall be issued without an evidentiary hearing establishing that a violator has failed to comply  with an order of the Special Magistrate to cease violating the city code.  Fines may accrue until such  time as the violator notifies the Code Inspector and establishes compliance, with the Code Inspector  shall confirm.  The Code Inspector shall thereafter notify the Special Magistrate who shall issue an  order acknowledging compliance, which shall be recorded in the public records.  A hearing shall not be  required to issue such an order acknowledging compliance, pursuant to sec. 162.07(4), Florida  Statutes. If a finding of a violation or a repeat violation has been made as provided in this Chapter, a  hearing shall not be necessary for issuance of the order imposing the fine.   E. In determining the amount of the any fine, if any, the Board or Special Magistrate will consider the  following factors:   (1) The gravity of the violation.   (2) Any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation.   (3) Any previous violations committed by the violator.   F. City policy is to accomplish compliance with the City Code as economically as possible for all parties.  Therefore, after a property owner has been properly noticed of a violation but prior to a hearing before  the Board or Special Magistrate, the City Manager or their designee is authorized to enter into  negotiations andto reach a settlement agreement with the violator. Failure of the violator to comply  with the settlement agreement or a recurrence of the violation shall result in prosecution of the  original violation as well as the any repeat violation, if applicable. The City Manager or designee shall  establish the perimeters to be followed for settlement negotiations. Pre‐hearing settlement  negotiations shall not be grounds for continuing or otherwise delaying a hearing on the violation unless  agreed to in writing by both parties.     § 7.9.1G. Liens on Property of the Violator and Foreclosure.  A. Following After the hearing before the Board or Special Magistrate, a certified copy of  an order imposing a fine, or a fine plus repair costs, may be recorded in the official County records and  will thereafter constitute a lien against the land on which the violation exists and on any other real or  personal property owned by the violator. Upon petition to the Circuit Court, such order shall be  enforceable in the same manner as a court judgment by the Sheriffs of Florida, including execution and  levy against the personal property of the violator, but such order shall not be deemed to be a court  judgment except for enforcement purposes.   B. A fine imposed pursuant to this Chapter shall continue to accrue until the violator  comes into compliance or until judgment is rendered in a suit filed pursuant to this Section, whichever  occurs first. A lien arising from a fine imposed pursuant to this Section runs in favor of the City  Commission, and the City Commission may execute a satisfaction, reduction, or release of a lien  entered pursuant to this Section, unless otherwise provided herein.   C. After three Six months from after the filing of any such lien which that remains unpaid,  the City will undertake a review to determine whether to recommend foreclosure to the Special  Magistrate.  Upon a duly noticed hearing, the Board or Special Magistrate may authorize the City  Attorney to foreclose on the lien or to sue to recover a money judgment for the amount of the lien plus  accrued interest. No lien created pursuant to the provisions of this part may be foreclosed on real  property which is a homestead under § 4, Article X of the State Florida Constitution. The money  judgment provisions of this Section shall not apply to real property or personal property which is  covered under § 4(a), Article X of the State Florida Constitution.   Formatted: Font: Bold Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.34" Page 772 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 9 of 13  D. H. After an order assessing a fine against a violator has been issued and compliance has been  achieved, nothing herein shall prohibit the City Commission, or City Manager or designee from  reducing, eliminating, satisfying, or otherwise settling the assessed fine or lien or the Board or Special  Magistrate from recommending that the City Commission or City Manager or designee reduce,  eliminate, satisfy, or otherwise settle the assessed fine or lien. The City Manager or designee shall  establish the procedures to be followed for reducing, eliminating, satisfying, or otherwise settling the  assessed fine or lien and for recording satisfaction thereof in the official County records.   I.E. The lien will be automatically extinguished 20 years after the date the certified copy of the order  imposing a fine is recorded, unless within that time the City commences an action is commenced  pursuant to this Cchapter in a court of competent jurisdiction. In an action to foreclose on a lien or for  a money judgment, the prevailing party is entitled to recover all costs, including a reasonable  attorney's fee, that it incurs in the action. The City Commission shall be entitled to collect all costs  incurred in recording and satisfying a valid lien. Commencement of an action pursuant to § 7‐9G of this  Chapter will not cause a continuation of the lien as against creditors or subsequent purchasers for  valuable consideration without notice, unless a notice of lis pendens is recorded.   J.F. The Clerk is authorized and empowered to issue certified copies of the Board or Special Magistrate's  records.   KG. Actions for money judgments under this Chapter may be pursued only on fines levied after October 1,  2000.     H.     Application for the satisfaction, release, or reduction of code enforcement liens.    (1) Lien satisfaction. Upon full payment by the applicant of the fine or penalty imposed in  accordance with this division, the city manager is hereby authorized to execute and record in the public  records of Orange County, Florida, a satisfaction of lien on behalf of the City. The applicant shall be  responsible for paying all costs of recording.     (2) Requests for lien release or reduction. Upon request for a release or reduction of a fine or lien  imposed in accordance with this division, the applicant shall submit a written application to the city  manager or designee, in accordance with this section.    (a) Application. The application for release or reduction of lien shall be in written form,  typed or handwritten, by the applicant and shall be submitted to the city manager, or  their designee. The application shall be executed under oath and sworn to in the  presence of a notary public, and shall include, but may not be limited to, the following:    i. A copy of the order imposing a lien upon the property including the code  enforcement case number;    ii. The date upon which the applicant brought the subject property into  compliance with the City Code;    iii. The basis upon which the applicant believes the application for release or  reduction of lien should be granted;    iv. The terms upon which the release or reduction of lien should be granted;    v. The reasons, if any, compliance was not obtained prior to the order of penalty  or fine being recorded;  Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5" Formatted: Font: Not Italic Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.83", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5" Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.33" + Indent at: 1.58" Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", First line: 0.33", Numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Right + Aligned at: 2.45" + Indent at: 2.58" Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.58", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", First line: 0.33", Numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Right + Aligned at: 2.45" + Indent at: 2.58" Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", First line: 0.33", Numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Right + Aligned at: 2.45" + Indent at: 2.58" Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", First line: 0.33", Numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Right + Aligned at: 2.45" + Indent at: 2.58" Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", First line: 0.33", Numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Right + Aligned at: 2.45" + Indent at: 2.58" Page 773 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 10 of 13    vi. The amount of reduction in fines or lien sought by the applicant;    vii. A statement verifying whether the applicant was issued any title policy or  policies for the subject property encumbered by the lien after the date the lien was recorded  in the public records of Orange County, Florida. If such a policy or policies were issued to the  applicant, a copy of any such title policy shall be submitted with the application;    viii. Any other information which the applicant deems pertinent to the request,  including but not limited to the circumstances that exist which would warrant the reduction  or satisfaction of the penalty or fine.    (b) Application Fees.  The applicant shall submit, at the time of application, an application fee  established by the city to defray some or all costs incurred by the City in processing the  application including, but not limited to, personnel, legal, and costs associated with recording  the order imposing a penalty or fine and the requested release or reduction of lien. The  application fee is nonrefundable, without regard to the final disposition of the application.    (c)      Application review.  Upon receipt of the application and payment of the application fee  provided above, the code enforcement division shall confirm that the violation, which resulted  in the order imposing penalty or fine, has been corrected. If the violation has been corrected  and there are no current code violation(s) upon the property in question, the code enforcement  division shall place the application and a staff recommendation upon the agenda of the next  meeting of the Special Magistrate for a hearing and recommendation to the city commission.    (d)  At the duly noticed hearing before the Special Magistrate, the Special Magistrate shall review  and consider the application for reduction or release of lien, provide the violator with an  opportunity to address the Special magistrate regarding the application for reduction or release  of lien, and to take the testimony of other interested parties, including but not limited to city  staff.    (e)  The Special Magistrate shall render a written recommendation to the city commission based on  findings of fact and law to either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application for  reduction or release of lien. The city commission shall consider and give considerable weight to  the written recommendation of the Special Magistrate and render a final decision on the  application.      (b) The Special Magistrate, in making a recommendation, and the city commission, in making a final  decision, shall consider and apply the following factors in determining the amount of any reduction or  release of lien:    (a) The amount of any administrative and out‐of‐pocket costs incurred by the city which are directly  associated with the underlying code enforcement case and lien including, but not limited to, code  enforcement staff and attorney time, postage, advertising and recording costs, and other city  expenses related to any measure taken by the city to abate a nuisance caused by the violation;    (b) The gravity and number of the violation(s);    (c) The amount of the requested reduction;  Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", First line: 0.33", Numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Right + Aligned at: 2.45" + Indent at: 2.58" Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.25", First line: 0.33", Numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Right + Aligned at: 2.45" + Indent at: 2.58" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.73", Hanging: 0.31" Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.44", Hanging: 0.19", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.33" + Indent at: 1.58" Formatted: Indent: First line: 0" Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0.67", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.33" + Indent at: 0.58" Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0.92", First line: 0" Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0.67", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.33" + Indent at: 0.58" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.34", Hanging: 0.33", Space Before: 2 pt, After: 6 pt, No bullets or numbering Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0.67", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.33" + Indent at: 0.58" Page 774 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 11 of 13    (d) The time in which it took to bring the property into compliance;    (e)  Whether the applicant was responsible for the violation which caused the lien;    (f)  Whether the applicant is or will be a bona fide purchaser of the subject property and is filing or has  filed for a homestead exemption evidencing a desire to reside within the city on a non‐transient  basis, or whether the property is or will be acquired for investment or other purposes;    (g) Whether the applicant acquired the subject property with knowledge of the subject lien or should  have knowledge of the lien through reasonable due diligence;    (h) The accrued amount of the code enforcement fine or lien as compared to the current market value  of the property;    (i) With respect to a speculator, non‐homestead purchaser of the subject property, the accrued  amount of the code enforcement fine or lien as compared to the investment/profit that will be  gained as a result of the purchase or sale of the property and the reduction or satisfaction;    (j)  Any previous or subsequent violations pertaining to the property unless an order finding a violation  is under appeal at the time of determination;    (k)  Any previous or subsequent violations of the applicant pertaining to the other properties owned  within city, unless an order finding a violation is under appeal at the time of determination;    (l)  Any relevant information contained in any title policy required to be submitted to the city under  this section;    (m)  Any financial hardship;    (n)  Any other mitigating circumstance which may warrant the reduction or satisfaction of the  penalty or fine; and    (o)  Any other administrative review criteria relevant to whether it is equitable to reduce or release a  lien which are adopted by the city manager, in writing, and are intended to be applied to all  applications on a uniform basis.    (c) Any fine or lien reduction approved by the city commission shall, to the maximum extent feasible,  provide for the city to collect, at a minimum, all administrative and out‐of‐pocket costs incurred by the  city with respect to the violation(s) at issue. If the city commission approves the application to reduce  or release the lien and the approval is conditioned upon the applicant paying a reduced penalty, fine,  or any other condition, the satisfaction or release of lien shall not be prepared or recorded in the  public records of Orange County, Florida by the city manager until the condition(s) imposed by the city  commission have been satisfied.    (d) The applicant shall have 30 days, or such time period determined by the city commission in a written  agreement, in which to comply with any decision of or condition imposed by the city commission or  the application shall be deemed automatically denied and thereafter, the applicant shall be barred  from applying for a subsequent reduction or release of lien for a period of one year from the date of  Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.34" Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0.69", Hanging: 0.19", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.33" + Indent at: 0.58" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.69", Hanging: 0.19" Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0.69", Hanging: 0.19", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: i, ii, iii, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.33" + Indent at: 0.83" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.69", Hanging: 0.19" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.44", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.33" + Indent at: 1.58" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.69", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.44", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.33" + Indent at: 1.58" Page 775 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 12 of 13  the city commission's decision. During the one‐year period, the lien may only be satisfied and released  upon full payment of the fine or penalty imposed in accordance with this division.    (e) When a lien is satisfied as a result of reduced payment or release as ordered by the city commission,  the city manager or their designee is hereby authorized to execute and record in the public records of  Orange County, Florida, a satisfaction of lien on behalf of the city.          § 7‐10. Notices.  A. All notices required by this Chapter will be provided to the alleged violator by:   (1) Certified mail, return receipt requested, provided that if such notice is sent under this Subsection  to the owner of the property in question at the address listed in the Tax Collector's office for tax  notices, and at any other address provided to the City by such owner and is returned as  unclaimed or refused, notice may be provided by posting as described in Subsection B below and  by first‐class mail directed to the addresses furnished to the City with a properly executed proof  of mailing or affidavit confirming the first‐class mailing;   (2) Hand delivery by the Sheriff or other law enforcement officer or Code Inspector or process server  designated pursuant to Ch. 48, Florida Statutes;   (3) Leaving the notice at the violator's usual place of residence with any person residing therein who  is above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents of the notice; or   (4) In the case of commercial premises, leaving the notice with the manager or other person in  charge.    B. In addition to providing notice as set forth in Subsection A, at the option of the Board or Special  MagistrateCode Inspector, notice may also be served by publication or posting, as follows:   (1) Such notice shall be published once during each week for four consecutive weeks, four  publications being sufficient, in a newspaper of general circulation in Orange County. The  newspaper must meet such requirements as are prescribed under Ch. 50, Florida Statutes, for  legal and official advertisements. Proof of publication shall be made as provided in §§ 50.041 and  50.051, Florida Statutes.   (2) In lieu of publication as described in Subsection B(1), such notice may be posted at least ten days  prior to the hearing, or prior to the expiration of any deadline contained in the notice, in at least  two locations, one of which shall be the property upon which the violation is alleged to exist and  the other of which shall be at the primary City government officecity hall where notices are  customarily posted. Proof of posting shall be by affidavit of the person posting the notice, which  affidavit shall include a copy of the notice posted and the date and places of its posting.   (3) Notice by publication may run concurrently with or may follow an attempt or attempts to provide  notice by hand delivery or by mail as required under Subsection A. Evidence that an attempt has  been made to hand deliver or mail notice as provided in Subsection A, together with proof of  publication or posting as provided in Subsection B, will be sufficient to show that the notice  requirements of this Chapter have been met without regard to whether or not the alleged  violator actually received such notice.   Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Hanging: 0.33", Space Before: 2 pt, After: 6 pt, No bullets or numbering Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0.44", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.33" + Indent at: 1.58" Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.33" Page 776 of 812           Created: 2026‐02‐10 11:05:17 [EST]  (Supp. No. 57, Update 1)    Page 13 of 13  § 7‐11. Enforcement by other provisions.  Nothing in this Chapter will be deemed to prohibit the City from enforcing its codes by any other means; the  provisions of this Chapter are merely an additional or supplemental means of obtaining compliance with the City's  codes.   § 7‐12. Appeals.  Except as provided in Section 7‐9 or otherwise in the city code, Ffinal administrative orders of the Board or  Special Magistrate may be appealed to the Circuit Court for Orange County, Florida, by any aggrieved party to the  proceeding in which the order is issued, provided that the appeal is filed within 30 days of execution of the order  to be appealed.   § 7‐13. Code Enforcement Recovery Fund.     The City shall establish on its financial records an internal account consisting of monies recovered because  of code enforcement fines and liens.  The City may allocate such funds to pay for the Special Magistrate’s fees, for  repair and maintenance costs to abate nuisances and bring properties into compliance with City Code, to purchase  nuisance properties, and for such other purposes as the city commission may established by resolution.      Formatted: Underline Page 777 of 812 1 City of Ocoee Business Impact Estimate Proposed ordinance’s title/reference: This Business Impact Estimate is provided in accordance with section 166.041(4), Florida Statutes. If one or more boxes are checked below, this means the City is of the view that a business impact estimate is not required by state law1 for the proposed ordinance, but the City is, nevertheless, providing this Business Impact Estimate as a courtesy and to avoid any procedural issues that could impact the enactment of the proposed ordinance. This Business Impact Estimate may be revised following its initial posting. ☐ The proposed ordinance is required for compliance with Federal or State law or regulation; ☐ The proposed ordinance relates to the issuance or refinancing of debt; ☐ The proposed ordinance relates to the adoption of budgets or budget amendments, including revenue sources necessary to fund the budget; ☐ The proposed ordinance is required to implement a contract or an agreement, including, but not limited to, any Federal, State, local, or private grant or other financial assistance accepted by the municipal government; ☐ The proposed ordinance is an emergency ordinance; ☐ The ordinance relates to procurement; or ☐ The proposed ordinance is enacted to implement the following: a. Part II of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, relating to growth policy, county and municipal planning, and land development regulation, including zoning, development orders, development agreements and development permits; b. Sections 190.005 and 190.046, Florida Statutes, regarding community development districts; c. Section 553.73, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Building Code; or d. Section 633.202, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Fire Prevention Code. In accordance with the provisions of controlling law, even notwithstanding the fact that an exemption noted above may apply, the City hereby publishes the following information: 1 See Section 166.041(4)(c), Florida Statutes. Page 778 of 812 2 1. Summary of the proposed ordinance (must include a statement of the public purpose, such as serving the public health, safety, morals and welfare): 2.An estimate of the direct economic impact of the proposed ordinance on private, for-profit businesses in the City of Ocoee, if any: (a) An estimate of direct compliance costs that businesses may reasonably incur; (b) Any new charge or fee imposed by the proposed ordinance or for which businesses will be financially responsible; and (c) An estimate of the City’s regulatory costs, including estimated revenues from any new charges or fees to cover such costs. 3.Good faith estimate of the number of businesses likely to be impacted by the proposed ordinance: 4. Additional information the governing body deems useful (if any): Page 779 of 812 West Orange Times c/o Business Observer 1970 Main Street 3rd Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 , 941-906-9386 x322INVOICE Legal Advertising Attention: If you are a government agency and you believe that you qualify for a 15% discount to the second insertion of your notice per F.S. revision 50.061, please inform Kristen Boothroyd directly at 941-906-9386 x323. NOTICE The Business Observer makes every effort to ensure that its public notice advertising is accurate and in full compliance with all applicable statutes and ordinances and that its information is correct. Nevertheless, we ask that our advertisers scrutinize published ads carefully and alert us immediately to any errors so that we may correct them as soon as possible. We cannot accept responsibility for mistakes beyond bearing the cost of republishing advertisements that contain errors . Page 780 of 812