Lady Lake Commission cuts property lien to $300 after buyer brings property into compliance

Denise Williams, the towns code enforcement officer, told the commission that Case No. 23-832 at 103 Caroline Avenue had been opened in November 2023 for community preservation and health-and-sanitation violations. A $150 administrative fee and a $25-per-day fine began accruing in June 2024; a lien was recorded against the property on Aug. 29, 2024.

The property changed hands in September 2025 and the new owner, Doug Fielder, brought the property into compliance on Oct. 6, 2025. Williams said the special magistrate recommended reducing the recorded lien from $11,700 to $2,000 plus a $150 administrative fee and set a payment deadline of June 15, 2026.

Fielder told the commission he had purchased the property from Fannie Mae and had attempted to purchase without assuming the lien but that the seller would not negotiate. Commissioners debated whether the prior owners estate or Fannie Mae should have borne the lien costs and whether it was fair to require the purchaser to pay the full recommended reduction. Chair and other commissioners asked staff to calculate the towns actual costs after Fielders purchase.

Growth management staff estimated Denise Williamss post-sale time and the towns costs at roughly $300. Commissioner (mover) made a motion to reduce the outstanding fines to $300 plus the administrative fee; another commissioner seconded. The commission conducted a roll call and the motion carried.

The commissions action reduced the applicants required payment to the town to $300 plus the normal administrative fee; the special magistrates earlier recommendation of $2,000 was superseded by the commission vote.