Seminole County magistrate reduces liens, sets compliance deadlines in multiple code-enforcement cases

Magistrate Sherry Setfin reduced fines, granted continuances and set deadlines in a series of Seminole County code-enforcement cases at a special magistrate hearing on Feb. 12.

In case 2319, which concerned a generator installation at a Castlebury address, respondent Donna Smith said the contractor “dropped the ball on the permit,” leaving the family to face county enforcement while the contractor later reapplied for the permit. John Martin, manager of code enforcement, told the magistrate the county had assessed $868 in administrative costs and $28.50 in fines for 57 days of noncompliance. Setfin reduced the assessed amount to the county’s administrative cost and then set that administrative cost at $500, ordering Smith to pay that amount within 30 days; if not paid the file will revert to the original fines (including $2,850) plus the unpaid administrative costs.

Two lien cases tied to the same property (case nos. 2231CEB and 19116CESM), originally reflecting approximately $56,200 in liens against a parcel sold by Unique Painting Investments LLC, were presented together. Attorney George Morris said the current owner, identified in the hearing as “Mister Gonzales,” purchased the property after the violations and was unaware of the liens. John Martin said the county supported reduction. Setfin reduced each lien to $500, each payable within 30 days; unpaid amounts will revert to the prior lien totals.

Several cases were continued or had compliance dates adjusted. The magistrate set a new compliance date of March 11 and a hearing of March 12 for at least one matter to allow the respondent time to finalize a variance and obtain permits. Staff and respondents discussed logistical matters including use of escrow/title-company checks to remit payments.

The hearing also addressed multiple health-and-safety pool matters. In case 25404 (7217 Silver Place, Winter Park), Inspector Cassini Hill presented photographic evidence from initial and follow-up inspections showing a dirty pool in violation of Seminole County Code chapter 95.5 §303.1; an interpreter said the owner reported the pool had been filled and cleaned recently. The county recommended 15 days to achieve compliance or a $250-per-day fine thereafter; Setfin adopted that recommendation and noted that, if the county secures or cleans the pool, incurred costs may be placed as a lien on the property and fines would stop from the date of county action.

Several no-shows resulted in orders to comply. The magistrate found Richard and Vanessa Cowan (case 25195) and Amanda C. Evans (case 25222) were properly noticed but failed to appear, and ordered each property brought into compliance within five days or incur $250 per day in fines. In case 25251, inspectors documented multiple inoperable vehicles and accumulation of rubbish at 5154 Richland Road; Setfin ordered the Mullins property be brought into compliance within 15 days or face $250 per day fines.

The hearing record shows the magistrate repeatedly emphasized that county staff may enter and correct health-and-safety violations if respondents do not comply, and that any costs incurred by the county for corrective action may be placed as a lien on the property. The magistrate confirmed the next hearing date as March 12, 2026, and adjourned the session.

Direct quotes recorded in the hearing include Donna Smith’s account of the contractor: “they dropped the ball on the permit,” and George Morris’s summary of his client’s situation: “Mister Gonzales is basically just the innocent homeowner who purchased the property.” Magistrate Setfin stated her disposition in the Donna Smith matter: “I’m gonna actually reduce the administrative cost to $500 and, ask that you pay that within 30 days.”

The orders issued at the hearing are administrative magistrate decisions enforceable under Seminole County code; respondents were given the timeframes specified in each order to cure violations before daily fines or county corrective action could be imposed.