Magistrate declares Diane Jess property a health-and-safety risk; county authorized to demolish if not remediated

The magistrate found that the property owned by Diane Jess posed a health-and-safety risk under the Seminole County International Property Maintenance Code (chapter 95.5) and granted the county authority to secure or demolish the property if it is not brought into compliance by Nov. 9, 2026.

Inspector Jamal Jackson presented photographs and inspection records showing a dilapidated building with roof and structural damage. Jackson said the owner is pursuing a county community development renovation grant after an earlier denial and recommended a 60-day compliance period or a $250-per-day fine thereafter. Jackson also asked the court to require notice to the county on any transfer of ownership so potential buyers would be aware of the condition and restrictions.

The magistrate found the property to be a health and safety risk and ordered that no one occupy the building. "I'm going to determine that the property is a health and safety risk and that no one should be living inside the property or should be going inside the property," the magistrate said while announcing the finding and authorization for county action. The magistrate accepted the officer's digital case file into evidence and set a compliance date of Nov. 9, 2026; demolition authority and potential liens for demolition costs were included if the county proceeds.