Highland Beach magistrate reduces two long-running code fines to $4,000 and $5,950

A special magistrate in Highland Beach on Aug. 12, 2025, approved steep reductions of long-standing code-enforcement fines: the Diana Canter Trust’s outstanding fine was cut from $32,000 to $4,000, and the fine for property owner Michael Hazel was reduced from $59,500 to $5,950. Both reductions were ordered with 30-day payment deadlines.

The reductions followed staff presentations that summarized prior orders and days the properties remained in violation. Adam Mosowski, town of Highland Beach code compliance officer, told the magistrate that the Canter Trust property had been in violation for 128 days after the compliance date and that the town had agreed to a 75% reduction to $8,000 but the trust’s attorney asked for a full waiver. Mosowski said for the Hazel case the property was in violation for 238 days and the town agreed to a 90% reduction to $5,950.

The Canter Trust’s attorney described the respondent’s medical and personal circumstances and asked the magistrate to waive the fine in full, saying, "Simply request that in light of her incapacity, you make the accommodation and waive the entirety of the fine." The magistrate responded that staff was willing to be more lenient and said, "I'll, I'll move it down to $4,000," then asked the respondent how much time was needed; the attorney replied 30 days.

At the Hazel hearing, a contractor who identified himself as Tyler Hoover said he had since completed the work and that the owner would pay. Mosowski told the magistrate the town was offering a 90% reduction to $5,950 as a one-time courtesy, payable within 30 days or the fine would revert to the full amount. The magistrate ordered that reduction.

Both cases began with prior board or magistrate orders setting compliance deadlines and daily fines if the owners did not comply. Mosowski noted the Canter Trust had paid a $250 prosecution cost; he also presented the timeline of notices and prior hearings for both cases. The magistrate’s rulings end the active reduction hearings but require payment on the new amounts within 30 days or the original fines would be reinstated.

The decisions leave questions of payment and any potential follow-up enforcement if payments are not made within the 30-day window. The town record will reflect whether the reduced amounts are paid on time or the earlier fines are restored.