Code board imposes $100-per-day fine on property owner after finding work incomplete

The Daytona Beach Code Enforcement Board voted Jan. 9 to impose a $100-a-day fine, up to $10,000, on a property owner who the city said had not completed required renovation work and inspections.

The action followed an extended exchange between inspector Curtis Wiggins and the property owner, who identified himself as Gary George Robinson. Wiggins told the board the property had been first cited in December 2023 and that, since the November hearing, “no progress was made.” He said permits had been issued for some work but that required inspections had not been completed.

Robinson disagreed with the inspector’s assessment. He told the board he had been working on the house when time allowed and had put in “about seven days in over the last three weeks” toward repairs, while also reporting difficulties finding contractors and dealing with squatters and utilities. He said a number of permits were in place but the building department could not pass an interior inspection until all systems were ready.

Why it matters: the board’s imposition of a daily fine signals enforcement pressure on property owners to complete permitted repairs and move cases to final inspections. The board noted its role is not to give construction advice; staff and the building department handle inspections and final compliance determinations.

Board decision and appeal rights: Board member Himes moved to accept staff’s recommendation for the $100-per-day fine with a $10,000 cap; the motion was seconded and approved. The chair confirmed the owner’s right to seek judicial review: “You can appeal to the circuit court,” the board said during the hearing, and staff noted the owner may seek a lien review after achieving compliance.

Next steps: the owner was told to remain in contact with the building department and his code officer and that, if he obtains full inspection sign-offs, he may pursue a lien review or other post-compliance remedies.