Bill > H0481

This bill revises provisions related to public nuisance abatement by amending Florida Statute 893.138, which allows local governments to take administrative action against certain activities declared public nuisances. Key changes include removing the previous limit on the total amount of fines that could be imposed for public nuisances, allowing daily fines to increase from $250 to $500 per day if a nuisance is not abated within a year, and establishing that nuisance abatement boards can award attorney fees, considering the contributions of "legal assistants" who perform non-clerical legal support work under an attorney's supervision. The bill also clarifies that liens can be placed on properties with unpaid nuisance fines and can be foreclosed upon after three months, with mandatory foreclosure required if the nuisance persists for two years, though homestead property is protected from foreclosure. Additionally, it provides a specific exception for property owners of multi-tenant retail businesses who can avoid liens or operational prohibitions if they evict a tenant within 90 days of notification about a second stolen property conviction by that tenant.

Government Affairs, Justice

Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/481