Code Violation Defense Blog

CBS Miami has covered Ari Pregen’s representation of South Florida property owners facing code enforcement fines — including a Fort Lauderdale couple facing $5,000/day fines and Miami Gardens homeowners fighting swale maintenance citations.

If you've received a code violation notice in Fort Lauderdale, the clock is already ticking. Here's what the notice means, the most common mistakes property owners make, and how flat-fee legal defense works.

Sometimes you can handle a code violation yourself. Sometimes you can't — and guessing wrong costs you thousands. Here's how to know the difference before your hearing date.

A code enforcement lien will show up in a title search and can delay or kill your closing. Here's what buyers, sellers, and agents need to know — and how to fix it fast.

A step-by-step guide to contesting a code violation notice, preparing for your Special Magistrate hearing, and negotiating fine reductions under Florida Statute §162.

Who presides, what evidence matters, how daily fines work under §162.09, and what happens after the Special Magistrate issues an order — everything to walk in prepared.

Sometimes you can handle it yourself. Sometimes you can't — and guessing wrong costs thousands. Here's a straight answer to help you decide before your hearing date.

Up to $1,000 per day under §162.09 — and fines run silently until they become liens. Here's how the fine system works and how to reduce what you owe.

A recorded code enforcement lien will surface in the title search and can block your closing. What buyers, sellers, agents, and title companies need to know — and how to fix it fast.

How to achieve compliance, file for lien reduction under §162.09(2)(a), and get a satisfaction of lien recorded to clear your title in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach.

Title agents and closing attorneys: clear code enforcement liens before closing. Same-day file review, flat-fee, underwriter-ready documentation. Reduced $4M lien to $150K.

Miami Beach STR fines start at $20,000 for first violations and escalate to $100,000 for repeats. Defense for Airbnb, Vrbo, and short-term rental operators against the City’s specialized enforcement unit.

Flat-fee code violation defense across all Miami-Dade municipalities — from unincorporated Miami-Dade to the City of Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach.

Defending property owners across all Broward municipalities — Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and beyond. Flat fee, free violation review.

Repeat violations trigger fines up to $5,000/day with no hearing required under §162.09. Here's what qualifies as a repeat violation and what defenses are available.

A code enforcement lien does not hurt your credit score — but it will block your mortgage, refinance, and any real estate closing. Here's what it actually affects.

Missing your hearing triggers a default order and daily fines up to $1,000/day — automatically, with no further notice. Here's what happens and what you can still do.

Fines up to $1,000/day for unlicensed Airbnb and VRBO operation. Here's how South Florida municipalities enforce short-term rental rules — and how to defend yourself.

Unpermitted construction can mean daily fines, demolition orders, and liens that block your closing. Learn your defense options and how to resolve it the right way.

HOA fines are capped at $100/day under Florida Statute §720.305 — and many are improperly imposed. Learn your rights before paying a dollar.

A code violation notice is an accusation — not a conviction. Learn the procedural, factual, and legal grounds that can result in outright dismissal before or at the hearing.

Florida Statute §162.09(2)(a) allows the Special Magistrate to dramatically reduce accrued fines. Learn the exact process — from compliance documentation to the reduction hearing.

Flat-fee code violation defense throughout Palm Beach County — West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and all Palm Beach municipalities.

Landlords are cited as property owners regardless of tenant conduct. Learn your rights, repeat violation risk, and how flat-fee defense protects your rental portfolio.

A Special Magistrate is the decision-maker at your hearing — a licensed attorney with authority to impose fines, reduce them, or dismiss your case entirely. Here’s how it works.

A notice of violation is not a fine — but ignoring it creates one. Here’s exactly what to do from the moment that notice arrives to protect your property and your rights.

Flat-fee code violation defense before the City of Hollywood Special Magistrate. Free violation review for Hollywood property owners and landlords.

Defending property owners before the Hialeah Special Magistrate. Hialeah has one of the most active code enforcement programs in Miami-Dade County.

Flat-fee defense before the Boca Raton Special Magistrate. HOA-adjacent violations, landscaping, and exterior maintenance citations handled personally by attorney Ari Pregen.

Defending Deerfield Beach property owners against code enforcement citations. Flat-fee representation before the Deerfield Beach Special Magistrate.

West Palm Beach has expanded its code enforcement significantly. Flat-fee defense before the West Palm Beach Special Magistrate for property owners across Palm Beach County.

Coral Springs maintains rigorous property standards. Flat-fee defense for property owners facing code enforcement citations before the Coral Springs Special Magistrate.

Defending Miramar property owners against unpermitted additions, driveway expansions, and exterior property citations. Flat fee. Free violation review.

One of Broward's largest cities with active code enforcement. Flat-fee defense for Pembroke Pines property owners before the city's Special Magistrate.

Miami Beach has some of the most aggressive code enforcement in Florida — short-term rental fines start at $1,000/day. Flat-fee defense before the Miami Beach Special Magistrate.