Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat 9am–2pm
Miami-Dade · Broward · Palm Beach · Statewide
South Florida's Code Violation Defense Firm

Got a Code Violation? Don't Pay It.

Fight It — Flat Fee, No Surprises.

Most property owners pay code violation fines without contesting them — even when the violation could be dismissed. The Code Clinic fights code violations across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. One flat fee. We handle the hearing. You keep your property.

Flat fee — no hourly
We appear at your hearing
Same-week consultations
FL Bar No. 94041
Statewide cases accepted

Free Violation Review

Tell us about your violation — we'll respond within 2 hours

Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG · Max 10MB

100% confidential · Attorney-client privilege applies

3
Counties Covered
$2,000
Starting Flat Fee
24hr
Response Time
0
Hourly Fees Ever
Real Client Results

What Ari Has Achieved for Clients

Lien Reduction — Result 1
$45,000
Fines recorded
$750
Final settlement
98.3% reduction
Prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results. Results vary based on the facts of each case.
Lien Reduction — Result 2
$4,000,000
Fines recorded
$150,000
Final settlement
96.3% reduction
Prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results. Results vary based on the facts of each case.
What We Handle

We Fight Every Type of Code Violation

From municipal notices to HOA fines to pre-closing investor clearances — The Code Clinic handles it all, flat fee.

Municipal Code Violations

City and county code enforcement notices for property maintenance, overgrown lots, unpermitted structures, signage, and more. We appear at Special Magistrate hearings and fight for dismissal or reduction.

Fight this violation →

HOA Fine Defense

Your HOA must follow strict procedures before fining you. We review the notice, identify procedural defects under Fla. Stat. §720.305, send demand letters, and represent you at HOA hearings.

Fight your HOA fine →

Unpermitted Work

Structures, additions, or improvements built without permits can trigger serious violations. We help you navigate the permit after-the-fact process and represent you at hearings.

Get help now →

Lien Reduction & Satisfaction

Code enforcement liens can reach into the millions. We petition for dramatic reductions under Fla. Stat. §162.09(3) — we've reduced a $45,000 lien to $750 and a $4,000,000 lien to $150,000.

Reduce your lien →

Pre-Closing Violation Clearance

Open violations can kill a deal at closing. We work on expedited timelines to review, appear, and resolve violations so your transaction closes on time.

Expedite my closing →

Appeals & Circuit Court

Received an adverse ruling at the Special Magistrate? You have 30 days to appeal to circuit court. We handle code enforcement appeals and protect your record.

Discuss an appeal →
The Process

Four Steps. Flat Fee. Done.

We made it as simple as possible. You send us the violation. We handle everything else.

1

Send Us Your Notice

Submit your violation notice through our online form or call us. Takes 2 minutes. We respond within 2 hours.

2

We Review & Quote

Ari reviews the notice, identifies all defenses, and gives you a flat-fee quote. No obligation, no surprises.

3

We Prepare Your Defense

We file the motions, gather the evidence, and prepare the strategy. You don't have to do anything.

4

We Win Your Hearing

Ari appears at the Special Magistrate hearing and fights for dismissal, reduction, or compliance agreement.

The city has an attorney at your hearing. You should too.

Code enforcement officers know the system. They've been to hundreds of hearings. Most property owners show up alone, unprepared, and pay fines they didn't have to. The Code Clinic levels the playing field.

96%
Largest lien reduction achieved
$0
Hourly fees — ever
$4M→$150K
Largest lien reduced
$45K→$750
Another lien reduced
Why The Code Clinic

Why We're Different

  • Flat Fee — Always

    One price covers the review, preparation, and hearing. No hourly billing. No retainers. No calls that cost you money.

  • Procedural Expertise

    Many violations can be dismissed without any repairs — when the notice was defective, improperly served, or the hearing was scheduled without adequate notice.

  • We Know the Magistrates

    We appear regularly before Special Magistrates in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. We know the procedures, the standards, and what works.

  • Fast Response

    Violation notices have deadlines. We respond within 2 hours during business hours and can take emergency cases with hearings days away.

Insert photo of
Ari Pregen, Esq.

Ari Pregen, Esq.
Florida Bar No. 94041
Florida Bar No. 94041

Meet Ari Pregen — Your Code Violation Defense Attorney

Ari Pregen founded The Code Clinic, PLLC with one goal: to give property owners across South Florida the same advantage that large developers and corporations have always had — experienced legal representation when facing code enforcement actions.

The reality is that code enforcement officers appear at hundreds of hearings. They know the system. Most property owners show up alone, not knowing what to say or what defenses exist. Ari built The Code Clinic to change that equation — at a price point that makes professional representation accessible to every property owner, landlord, and investor.

Licensed by the Florida Bar, Ari has deep experience in code violation defense across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. He appears regularly before Special Magistrates in all three counties and handles the full spectrum of code enforcement matters — from procedural dismissals to complex lien reductions and circuit court appeals. Ari also serves as managing attorney of The Pregen Firm, a South Florida law practice. His work on behalf of South Florida property owners has been covered by CBS Miami.

Florida Bar Licensed
Bar No. 94041
All 3 South Florida
Counties
Special Magistrate
Hearing Specialist
Flat Fee
No Hourly Billing
As Seen On
CBS Miami
Media Coverage

In the News

Ari Pregen's work defending South Florida property owners against code enforcement has been covered by CBS Miami. Coverage references The Pregen Firm, Ari's broader South Florida law practice.

CBS MIAMI
Featured Coverage
CBS Miami · Video + Article

Miami Gardens Homeowners Push Back Against City's Swale Maintenance Fines

CBS Miami covered Ari's representation of Miami Gardens homeowners facing fines over swale maintenance — a widespread issue affecting property owners across South Florida.

Read the Article + Watch Video →
CBS Miami · Video + Article

Lauderdale Lakes Commissioners' Walkout Halts Vote on Relief for Property Owners Facing Six-Figure Fines

CBS Miami reported on Ari's advocacy for Lauderdale Lakes property owners facing six-figure code enforcement fines, and the political battle over relief measures at the commission level.

Read the Article + Watch Video →

Media coverage references The Pregen Firm, Ari Pregen's broader South Florida law practice.

Service Area

Covering All of South Florida

Our primary focus is South Florida — we know the specific procedures, magistrates, and ordinances of each county. We also accept cases statewide throughout Florida.

MD

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade Code Enforcement operates under Chapter 8CC of the County Code. We appear at the Miami-Dade Special Magistrate Division regularly.

Miami Hialeah Coral Gables Doral Homestead North Miami Miami Beach Miami Gardens
BC

Broward County

Broward County Code Enforcement operates under Chapter 23.5. Each municipality within Broward has its own procedures — we know them all.

Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Pembroke Pines Miramar Coral Springs Plantation Davie Pompano Beach
PB

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County's Special Magistrate hearings are governed by Chapter 162, Florida Statutes. We represent clients from Boca Raton to West Palm.

Boca Raton West Palm Beach Boynton Beach Delray Beach Wellington Lake Worth Greenacres Palm Beach Gardens
Outside South Florida?
The Code Clinic accepts code violation cases statewide throughout Florida. Wherever you are, call us — we'll let you know if we can help.
Get a Free Review →
Client Results

What Our Clients Say

Real results for real property owners across South Florida. Testimonials are based on actual client experiences. Prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results.

★★★★★

"Ari was successful in getting a lien removed from my property. His knowledge of zoning and code compliance policies was helpful. His first-hand experience navigating the municipal politics and departmental procedures was particularly valuable. Ari's skills contributed directly to the efficient and effective execution of our objectives."

Prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results.

LM
Lee Masuret
Property Owner · South Florida
★★★★★

"Ari was extremely helpful resolving some issues we had with the city and code enforcement. He definitely knew the ins and outs of codes which helped to avoid significant financial penalties. He was also very responsive at all times throughout the process. Would definitely recommend and plan on using him again if needed."

Prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results.

LM
Leonard Mello
Property Owner · South Florida
★★★★★

"Many thanks to Attorney Ari Pregen for his excellent representation in what I felt were unfair code enforcement violations by the city at my house. I tried but was unable to resolve these issues on my own. Thanks to Ari's hard work and knowledge, a resolution was found that worked for the city and me — saving me quite a bit of money. I highly recommend Ari's services to anyone needing help with a code compliance issue."

Prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results.

DG
D. Gonzalez
Homeowner · South Florida

Testimonials are based on the actual experiences of these clients. Results vary. Prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results.

Media Coverage

As Seen On

Ari Pregen's work defending South Florida property owners against code enforcement has been covered by CBS Miami.

CBS
MIAMI
CBS MIAMI
· News Coverage

Miami Gardens Homeowners Push Back Against City's Swale Maintenance Fines

CBS Miami covered Ari's representation of Miami Gardens homeowners challenging the city's swale maintenance fine program — a case that brought citywide attention to aggressive municipal code enforcement practices.

Read the Article
CBS MIAMI
· News Coverage + Video

Lauderdale Lakes Commissioners' Walkout Halts Vote on Relief for Property Owners Facing Six-Figure Fines

CBS Miami reported on Ari's advocacy for Lauderdale Lakes property owners facing six-figure code enforcement fines, including video coverage of the dramatic commission meeting where a commissioner walkout blocked a relief vote.

Read the Article & Watch Video

Media coverage reflects cases handled by Ari Pregen, Esq. Coverage does not constitute an endorsement by CBS Miami or CBS News.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — many violations are dismissed on procedural grounds. If the notice was improperly served, the hearing was scheduled without adequate notice, or the citation didn't properly describe the violation, the case can be dismissed before you ever have to fix anything.
You pay one price that covers the review of your violation, all preparation of defenses and documents, and all Special Magistrate hearing appearances through final resolution of your case. There is no hourly billing and no retainer. You know your cost before we start. Note: court costs, filing fees, or other third-party costs, if any, are separate from the flat fee and will be disclosed upfront.
Call us immediately. We handle emergency cases regularly. If there is time to appear and prepare, we will. In some cases, we can also file for a continuance to buy more time for a proper defense.
Usually not. In most cases, Ari appears on your behalf and you do not need to be present. We will let you know if your attendance would be helpful for a specific case.
A recorded lien doesn't mean the case is over. Under Florida Statute §162.09(3), we petition the code enforcement board for dramatic reductions. We've reduced a $45,000 lien to $750 and a $4,000,000 lien to $150,000. Results vary, but large recorded liens are often reducible to a fraction of the recorded amount.
Yes. We defend homeowners and condo owners against improper HOA fines in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach under the Florida Homeowners' Association Act (§720.305) and the Condominium Act (§718.303).
Our primary focus is Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, where we appear regularly before Special Magistrates and know the specific procedures in each jurisdiction. That said, we accept code violation cases throughout Florida. If you are outside South Florida, call us — we will let you know if we can help.
We respond to all inquiries within 2 hours during business hours (Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 9am–2pm). If your hearing is imminent, call us directly for an immediate response.
Code violation notices have deadlines. Every day you wait, fines can accrue. Missing your hearing can result in a lien on your property.
Get a Free Review Now →

Don't Pay a Fine You May Not Owe.

Send us your violation notice today. We'll review it, identify your defenses, and tell you exactly what we can do — before you pay us anything.

(305) 807-2204

Ari Pregen, Esq. · Florida Bar No. 94041 · Free consultations · No obligation