Protect your investment!   

1. Obtain a home inspection
2. Order a code lien search
3. Obtain a payoff information on outstanding code liens
4. Check with the Building Department for any open/expired building permits
5. Make sure all detached structures, sheds, carports, garages, additions, barns, etc. are permitted – call the Building Department
6. Verify the zoning of the property to ensure the zoning is appropriate for the intended use – call the Planning/Zoning Department

 These six actions can save you thousands of dollars.

Knowing What You Are Buying

In the State of Florida, thousands of homes are bought and sold every year. How does a prospective buyer know if the home or property they are buying meets St. Lucie County’s current zoning regulations and the current Florida Building Code or if it has existing code violations, fines, or liens?

New property owners are responsible for correcting code violations and for paying any fines or lien amounts owed, even when a violation occurred before they purchased the property. The cost to the new homeowner can be thousands of dollars. The best solution is to work with your Real Estate professional and request a home inspection and a lien search before closing on the property.

Property Inspection for Code Violations

Code property inspections look for unpermitted improvements, nonconforming structures, and open permits and verify zoning requirements. A Florida-licensed contractor or home inspector can perform the inspections for either the property owner or prospective buyer.

The Seller

A property owner considering selling his/her property can arrange for a property inspection to determine whether code violations exist in advance of marketing the property for sale. This allows the seller time to correct any violations to avoid issues arising later with potential buyers.

The Buyer

Upon considering purchasing a property, a buyer should always have a property inspection completed. Most sales contracts allow the buyer a contingency for property inspections. The buyer should ensure that his/her inspector inspects for unpermitted structures, zoning appropriate for the structure/intended use, and open/expired permits.

All existing code violations, fines, and liens go with the property and become the new owner's responsibility when sold.

Property Inspections Review 

1. The number of structures permitted on the property.
2. If there are any non-conforming structures or uses on the property.
3. Any open permits without final inspections.
4. Unpermitted additions that have been added to the residence.

Code Lien Searches

Detailed information on a property's records, such as fines owed, liens, and unresolved code violation cases, is researched when requested. The property may have open Code Enforcement cases with violations that were never corrected and are accumulating daily fines. If a property has a lien, it may be difficult to sell, refinance, or borrow against it. Liens are recorded on the property and are the responsibility of the property owners.

Please contact us for assistance.  

Planning and Development Services Contact Page

St. Lucie County's Citizen Self Service Page

Helpful Information:

GIS Map tool can help with your review of property zoning designations.