Magistrate reduces $57,600 life‑safety fine to $11,000 after mitigation hearing

The Royal Palm Beach special magistrate reduced a $57,600 fine tied to life‑safety deficiencies to $11,000, payable by Oct. 13. The village said the original assessment grew from work done without proper fire‑safety maintenance, including alarms and sprinklers, and characterized the case as a significant life‑safety issue.

At the mitigation hearing, a contractor and respondents described medical and personal hardships, including hospitalization and a spouse undergoing cancer treatment, and asked for more time or a lower amount. The village said it did not oppose reduction and offered a figure the magistrate accepted after negotiation.

Village counsel outlined the proposed compromise and payment schedule; the magistrate said the smaller amount reflected both the severity of the original defects and the respondents’ circumstances, and set Oct. 13 as the payment deadline. The order also preserves the village’s lien and administrative remedies if the settlement is not paid.

The magistrate’s ruling followed the village’s presentation of exhibits including the order assessing the fine, ownership verification and an affidavit of compliance. The hearing record shows the village will monitor compliance with the payment schedule and that failure to meet the deadline could restore the prior assessment or prompt additional action.

No appeals or further hearing dates were announced at the close of the mitigation discussion.