David Derderian, a Cocoa Beach homeowner, appeared at the Jan. 8, 2025 special magistrate session seeking reduction of a municipal lien tied to long-running code-enforcement work on exterior stairs. The city agreed to forgive the lien in its entirety except for administrative costs the city calculated at $2,199.52; the parties agreed to a six-month payment plan starting Feb. 1, 2025.

Derderian described the history as beginning roughly nine years earlier when a neighbor complaint led a prior code officer to cite a rundown stair structure. Derderian said he applied for permits and made repairs and later replaced the stairs; he told the magistrate he suffers from serious health problems and limited income, and said the lien—reported in city materials at about $97,255—was disproportionate to the actual cost of the work.

City representative Miss Crawford told the magistrate the city had calculated “hard costs” (administrative costs) associated with the case at $2,199.52 and asked the magistrate to enter an order forgiving the lien in totality except for those administrative costs. Magistrate Lonnie Greer described that as “a very generous offer” compared with typical reductions and indicated the court commonly requires recouping administrative costs.

The parties reached a working agreement on record: the homeowner will pay $2,199.52 in six equal monthly installments of $366.59 beginning Feb. 1, 2025. The magistrate explained that if the homeowner fails to make the payments as agreed the city’s prior lien calculation would be reactivated and any forgiveness would be voided, leaving the original lien balance in place (the lien amount shown in the city’s materials was approximately $97,255). Magistrate Greer said an order reflecting the settlement would be entered.

The city representative and the magistrate emphasized the city’s willingness to limit the amount to administrative costs rather than retaining the full accrued daily fines. Derderian said he would need installment payments because he is on full Social Security disability and cannot pay a lump sum.

An order consistent with the hearing record will be entered by the magistrate specifying the reduced balance and the installment schedule; the city will monitor compliance with the payment plan.