Pensacola code enforcement orders daily fines, awards costs and continues one case

Special Magistrate Matthew Hargraves and the City of Pensacola Code Enforcement Authority on Jan. 6 ordered daily fines to begin for several properties found out of compliance and awarded court costs in a case where the property was later brought into compliance.

The actions affect multiple properties across Pensacola, including orders to start $25‑per‑day fines on Jan. 6, 2026 for properties found in violation of the International Property Maintenance Code and municipal ordinances. In one case the authority found the property compliant at reinspection but awarded $200 in court costs to the city. One long‑running case involving a reportedly deceased owner was continued to Feb. 3 so the city can bring the appropriate party before the authority.

Votes at a glance:

• CE255009 — 1820 Copley Drive (owner listed: Judy Holmes): Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Smith testified the property had two vehicles in violation of IPMC 302.8. Special Magistrate Matthew Hargraves found previously ordered compliance had not occurred and ruled, “I find that the property is currently in violation. Therefore, I will order that the previously ordered fines in the amount of $25 per day commence as of today, 01/06/2026,” to continue until the property is brought into compliance.

• CE252995 — 3977 Hidden Oak Drive (owner listed: Teresa Higgins): Officer Smith presented evidence the property remained in violation of IPMC 304.2 and 304.6 after the compliance date; the magistrate ordered daily fines of $25 per day to commence 01/06/2026 until compliance.

• CE255369 — 4980 Spring Hill Drive (owners listed: Amy Hamilton and Elizabeth Hite): Officer Ron Balton said the property was cited for overgrowth, a fallen dead tree and miscellaneous accumulation but that the owner called for reinspection and the property was found compliant on the morning of the hearing. The magistrate found the property currently in compliance but determined it had been out of compliance after the notice and awarded court costs of $200, payable within 30 days.

• CE255322 — 4030 Kingsbury Drive (owners listed: Doug Burke and the estate of J Daryl Burke): Kevin Smith described vegetation over 12 inches, rubbish, peeling paint and rotting wood. The magistrate found the property in violation, awarded court costs of $200 to the city, and ordered that if compliance is not achieved by 01/19/2026, daily fines of $25 will begin on 01/20/2026.

• CE243499 — 7645 Woodstream Drive (owner listed: Dolores McCord Monaco): Kevin Smith reported a dilapidated roof, prior notices and that the owner appears deceased and the property is in foreclosure. Magistrate Hargraves questioned whether proceedings against a named deceased individual are proper. Assistant City Attorney Jeanette Richardson agreed: “I agree with the court that it should be an estate. It should be against the estate.” The magistrate continued the case to Feb. 3, 2026 to allow the city to bring the proper party before the hearing; if the party cannot be changed, the magistrate said the matter may need dismissal as to the named individual.

The authority also approved the minutes from the Dec. 16, 2025 hearing and reported no pending requests to increase fines or place liens. The hearing was adjourned.

What happens next: For cases where fines were ordered to commence, fines will accrue at $25 per day effective on the dates the magistrate specified and stop once compliance is achieved. The Feb. 3, 2026 continuance will give the city an opportunity to amend the respondent in the long‑running Woodstream case so the matter can be readdressed.