Deerfield Beach approves six-month code lien amnesty to clear long-standing fines

The Deerfield Beach City Commission voted 4' 1 on March 4 to approve a six-month code enforcement lien amnesty program that staff said is intended to clear long-standing liens, reduce reinspection and abatement costs, and enable owners to sell or refinance properties that otherwise carry prohibitive fines.

Roy Davis, the city's code manager, told commissioners the program (branded in staff materials as a "code embassy" program) applies only to properties that have been brought into compliance and will not cover properties currently in bankruptcy, foreclosure or active litigation. Davis said staff estimates the city has about $140 million in unpaid liens and described a formula that yields different amnesty amounts for four property classes: homesteaded residential, non-homesteaded residential, nonresidential/commercial and very small liens below…