Case Study: The Major Code Violations on SW 12th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

Project Snapshot: The Deal Stats

The Challenge: A Property Drowning in City Fines

When we received a call about a property on SW 12th Avenue in the historic Sailboat Bend neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, the situation was already critical. The owner, Mr. Henderson, lived out of state and had inherited the 1958-built block home years prior. He'd informally rented it out, but his last tenants had moved out abruptly, leaving the property in disarray.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Code Enforcement, known for its proactive stance, quickly became aware of several major issues. The property had an unpermitted garage conversion dating back decades, turning a single-car garage into a makeshift bedroom with exposed, non-compliant wiring. There was also a dilapidated, unpermitted shed in the backyard, its roof partially collapsed, posing a safety hazard. The exterior of the home showed clear signs of neglect: peeling paint, an overgrown yard attracting pests, and a visible sag in the unpermitted addition's roofline.

Mr. Henderson was overwhelmed. He'd started receiving stern letters from the City of Fort Lauderdale Code Enforcement, followed by notices of escalating daily fines. He estimated the liens were already in the tens of thousands of dollars, and he faced the very real threat of legal action or even foreclosure by the city if he couldn't bring the property into compliance. Living out of state, he had neither the time nor the resources to manage the extensive repairs, deal with permitting, or negotiate with the city. He needed a solution, fast, and without investing another dime. The property was a significant financial liability and a constant source of stress.

Our Approach: Transparency and a Path to Relief

Our approach to Mr. Henderson's property in Fort Lauderdale was direct and empathetic. We understood his immediate need was to offload the problem, not take on more responsibility.

• No Repairs Required: Unlike listing with a traditional realtor who would demand costly repairs to satisfy the City of Fort Lauderdale's demands, we told Mr. Henderson he didn't need to lift a finger. We buy houses exactly as-is.
• Comprehensive Assessment: Our team conducted a thorough inspection, not just of the visible issues but also delving into city records for all active code violations and outstanding fines. We meticulously calculated the exact costs required to remediate the unpermitted garage conversion, demolish the unsafe shed, update the electrical system, replace the failing roof, and bring the entire property into full compliance with current Fort Lauderdale building codes.
• Transparent Offer: We presented Mr. Henderson with a clear, no-obligation cash offer. This offer transparently factored in all anticipated renovation expenses, our operational costs, and critically, the full amount of the outstanding code enforcement liens. There were no hidden fees or commissions.
• Lien Negotiation & Management: A key part of our service was handling the complex negotiation with the City of Fort Lauderdale Code Enforcement department. We worked to understand potential abatement programs or reductions post-sale, ensuring Mr. Henderson would walk away clean.
• Simplified Closing: We managed all the paperwork, even coordinating remote document signings for Mr. Henderson, who was out of state. Our goal was to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

We provided Mr. Henderson with not just an offer, but a complete solution to a problem that was quickly spiraling out of his control. Our deep understanding of Fort Lauderdale's specific code enforcement challenges allowed us to give him confidence that his nightmare property would finally be resolved.

The Result: A Stress-Free Closing in 21 Days

Just 21 days after Mr. Henderson accepted our transparent cash offer, we successfully closed the deal at Title & Trust of Florida, a reputable local title company in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Henderson received his cash payment in full, free from any code enforcement liens, daily fines, or the burden of future legal action from the city.

For Mr. Henderson, it was a profound relief. He was able to move on, no longer haunted by the constant threat of escalating fines and the daunting task of renovating a property he couldn't manage. For us, it was another successful demonstration of how FL Home Buyers provides a transparent, efficient, and empathetic solution for homeowners facing challenging situations in Fort Lauderdale. We transformed a property that was a liability into an opportunity, and more importantly, helped a seller regain his peace of mind.