Commission adopts uniform lien-reduction policy; attorney clarifies appeal route

The city adopted Resolution 2026-07 on Aug. 4, a uniform lien-reduction policy intended to set consistent criteria and timelines for code-enforcement lien reductions.

City Attorney Donald Holmes explained revisions: the proposed policy removes a prior 14-day rule and some quick-forgiveness items, and clarifies appeals language so that appeals to a final commission decision would follow the state’s standard judicial-review route — a petition for certiorari to the circuit court under the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure — because the commission itself is the final decision-maker. Holmes told commissioners the policy lists factors to consider for reductions (including property condition, owner cooperation and neighborhood impact) but does not foreclose considering other factors case-by-case.

Commissioners debated whether the policy allowed adequate flexibility for properties sold under contract or for incentives that might promote neighborhood stabilization. The commission voted to adopt the resolution on a roll-call vote.