Board authorizes foreclosure action on long‑neglected property after years of enforcement
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Summary
Okaloosa County authorized code‑enforcement and the county attorney to pursue foreclosure on a long‑troubled property after staff said the parcel has posed repeated nuisance and safety concerns since 2018 and attempts to contact heirs were unsuccessful.
The board unanimously authorized code enforcement and the county attorney to proceed with foreclosure on a property the county says has been the site of repeated violations, unauthorized occupancy and partial demolition for scrap.
Growth Management attorney/representative Brad Camper told commissioners the case dates to initial complaints in 2018 and involves a succession of caretakers and claimants; staff reported they have been unable to locate a responsible owner or heir despite attempts and legal checks. Photographs in the staff report show removed structural elements, trailers and accumulated trash, and staff said past volunteer cleanups were not sustained.
Why it matters: staff and commissioners framed the action as a last resort to protect public health, safety and property values after years of unsuccessful voluntary compliance efforts. The board heard that the county will move to foreclose, remediate and return the parcel to productive use after the legal process.
What commissioners asked: Commissioner Cox asked about the outreach and attempts to locate heirs; staff said the clerk’s office and county attorney checked probate and court records, and code enforcement has contacted known relatives and law enforcement as part of the effort.
Next steps: staff will proceed with foreclosure litigation and return with updates; the motion passed unanimously.
