Board reduces repeat-rubbish lien to $200.05 if paid by Sept. 27 for Williams Street property

The Seminole County Code Enforcement Board on Aug. 28 addressed a repeat rubbish violation at 1062 Williams Street and voted to accept a reduced administrative charge in lieu of imposing the full lien recommended by staff, provided the reduced amount is paid by Sept. 27, 2025.

Code Enforcement Officer Shanita Hemingway presented case 21-07CEB and evidence, noting a prior board order from April 2021 and follow-up inspections in May–August 2025. Hemingway told the board she posted the property in August and that deputy photographs taken Aug. 14 and Aug. 19 showed removal of the rubbish by Aug. 19. "The results of the follow-up inspection were that the rubbish was removed from the subject property," Hemingway said.

Hemingway’s recommended calculation — based on 91 days of repeat noncompliance from May 20 through Aug. 18, 2025 — would have imposed a lien in the amount of $9,100 and daily fines thereafter. The respondents told the board they had not received earlier mailings because county records listed an incorrect mailing address, that they had been working on the property and that some materials on site were intended for roof repairs. Fernando Palma said he had injured his knee in April and that he had been trying to address the property’s condition; he said he will seek to reinstate a roofing permit and secure the site.

After testimony from a neighbor and discussion among board members, the board voted to reduce the enforcement outcome: the board ordered payment of a reduced administrative cost of $200.05, payable by Sept. 27, 2025. The board directed that if the $200.05 is not paid by Sept. 27, it will revert to a lien recorded against the property (the board’s order specified the lien would be for the $200.05). The motion carried by a recorded voice vote reflected in the transcript as three ayes and two nays.

Hemingway and deputies documented inspections and photographs across dates in 2025, and the board’s order requires the respondents to make the payment and to contact code enforcement to verify compliance. The board discussed but did not impose the larger $9,100 lien recommended in staff materials because members supported the reduced administrative option tied to a 30-day payment deadline.