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Deltona magistrate upholds code violations, imposes fines and sets compliance deadlines for multiple properties
Summary
Special Magistrate John Van Laningham entered orders March 25 after hearing multiple Deltona code‑ and fire‑safety cases: per‑diem fines were imposed or continued on seven properties, a 90‑day compliance period was set for 1432 Tivoli Drive, and retroactive fines were applied to a repeat clinic violation on Diane Terrace.
Special Magistrate John Van Laningham, presiding over the City of Deltona’s March 25, 2026 code‑compliance hearing, entered a series of orders imposing or continuing per‑diem fines against several properties and set a 90‑day compliance deadline for one long‑running repair case.
The magistrate received testimony and photographic exhibits from code and fire inspectors and found that violations remained unresolved at multiple addresses. For 1211 Abigail Drive (case DEL26007), code compliance supervisor Todd Mead told the tribunal that a prior order gave the owner 14 days to comply and that the property had accrued $4,200 in fines at $100 per day. Van Laningham said he would receive the city’s exhibits and entered an order imposing the accrued $4,200 and continuing fines at $100 per day until the property is brought into compliance.
In DEL26009ANB (1330 El Cam Boulevard), co‑compliance officer Jeff Scott described two separate violations with different compliance windows. Scott reported $1,075 in fines for violation A and $675 for violation B, a combined $1,750; the magistrate entered an order imposing the accrued fines and continuing the $25‑per‑day penalties for each violation until compliance is achieved.
Assistant Fire Marshal Sam Schaller presented Fire0442025 (679 Vicksburg Street), citing Florida’s edition of NFPA 1 fire‑code provisions. Schaller said the property failed to meet earlier deadlines and had accrued $3,400 at $100 per day. A representative for the respondents said a demolition permit had been submitted but remained under plan review; Van Laningham found the violation continued and ordered accrual of the per‑diem fines to continue until compliance.
On Fire0502025 (1200 Deltona Boulevard, Deltona Wellness LP), the city sought a $900 total fine for days the property remained noncompliant after the earlier deadline. Property manager Michael Mather asked the magistrate to overturn the fine, saying notices were sent to the wrong address and that he had been told fines were not yet accruing. Van Laningham said those assertions lacked written proof, accepted the city’s exhibits and testimony, and ordered the $900 fine imposed.
Fire inspector Lisa Nadeau asked the magistrate to impose a $50‑per‑day fine for Fire0542025 (1382 Howland Boulevard) for a remaining electrical‑work violation; the magistrate found the violation continued and ordered the city’s requested fine and continued per‑diem penalties until the issue is corrected.
In DEL26016 (1432 Tivoli Drive), code compliance officer Tom Ruddy described extensive fire damage and repair needs stemming from a July 2025 fire. The property owner’s attorney, Broomit Secor, said an extensive staged repair contract was in place and asked for 90 days to complete work. Van Laningham set a compliance date of June 23, 2026, agreeing that if the property is in compliance by that date no fines will accrue; if it remains noncompliant, a $25‑per‑day fine will begin on June 24.
A repeat violation involving Harmony Clinic (Fire0452025, a repeat of Fire0152025 at 1698 Diane Terrace) also drew a retroactive fine. Nadeau testified that medical equipment and associated electrical work remained installed without an issued electrical permit after prior enforcement; Dr. Lester Carrero, the clinic owner, said engineering plans had been submitted and described personal delays. Van Laningham found a repeat violation and accepted the city’s recommendation to impose retroactive fines at $50 per day until compliance, with possible mitigation or reduction to be addressed after the property is brought into compliance.
Van Laningham said draft written orders reflecting his oral rulings would be posted for review and signed. The hearing was adjourned with the magistrate noting he would see staff and participants at the next monthly setting.
Decisions at a glance: - DEL26007 (1211 Abigail Drive): accrued $4,200; continue $100/day until compliance (order entered). - DEL26009ANB (1330 El Cam Blvd.): accrued $1,750 total; continue $25/day per violation until compliance (order entered). - Fire0442025 (679 Vicksburg St.): accrued $3,400; continue $100/day until compliance (order entered). - Fire0502025 (1200 Deltona Blvd., Deltona Wellness LP): $900 total assessed; order entered. - Fire0542025 (1382 Howland Blvd.): accrued $1,250; continue $50/day until compliance (order entered). - DEL26016 (1432 Tivoli Dr.): compliance date set 06/23/2026; if compliance achieved, no fines; if not, $25/day begins 06/24/2026 (order entered by agreement). - Fire0452025 / Fire0152025 (1698 Diane Terrace, Harmony Clinic): retroactive $50/day from 09/26/2025 for repeat violation until compliance (order entered).
What happens next: The city will prepare draft written orders that reflect the magistrate’s oral rulings and post them for collection and signature. Property owners retain administrative appeal rights or may pursue mitigation in subsequent proceedings once compliance is achieved.
