Pensacola code-enforcement magistrate orders repairs, fines and continuances across May 13 docket

Special Magistrate Ralph Peterson presided over the City of Pensacola Code Enforcement Authority hearings on May 13, 2025, and issued findings, continuances and closure orders across more than a dozen property cases.

The hearings addressed unpermitted construction, stop-work orders and follow-ups on prior orders. Magistrate Peterson entered violation findings where inspectors presented evidence of unpermitted work and either ordered compliance by a set date, imposed court costs of $200 in cases where the city prevailed, or continued matters where owners were actively seeking permits. In several cases inspectors reported that permits had been issued and the cases were closed.

Why it matters: the orders set deadlines that can trigger daily fines if owners do not obtain required permits, and they clarify when work will be allowed to proceed under city review. The session recorded the city’s repeated use of Section 12-11-5 of the Pensacola Municipal Code (permits required) and Florida statutes governing code enforcement and court costs.

Most significant outcomes - 2115 West Cervantes Street (case no. 23162): The magistrate found unpermitted installation of roll-up doors, a door cut into brick, unpermitted electrical work and shipping containers on site. The court ordered the owner to obtain the required permits. Court costs of $200 were assessed, payable within 30 days. If corrective actions are not completed by June 9, 2025, a daily fine of $100 will begin on June 10, 2025.

- 1300 West Garden Street (case no. 24120): The court acknowledged that a permit application is under review and…