Magistrate gives owner until July 16 to correct unpermitted garage conversion at 4440 NW 15th

The City of Fort Lauderdale’s special magistrate found violations at 4440 Northwest 15th Street and ordered the owner to bring the property into compliance by July 16, 2026 or face a $1,000-per-day fine.

Senior Inspector Preston Mark told the hearing the property had been cited under the city ordinance for construction performed without required permits, including plumbing, electrical and interior renovations. He said a stop-work order had been posted and the owner initially refused police or inspector access during the investigation. Inspector Mark said a tenant later granted access and the inspector observed that a garage had been converted into a livable unit with a kitchenette and bathroom and that an unpermitted shed had framing, electrical and plumbing work underway.

Officer Brian Blunt, who responded at the inspector’s request, told the magistrate he made contact with the owner and that officers had asked to inspect the property; the owner refused and officers warned the owner to comply if inspected again. The city’s case record also shows prior complaints and earlier cases dating to 2021 and 2022 linked to the property.

Owner Karouche Jagy told the magistrate he had terminated third-party property management in March 2025, served eviction notices against the occupant renting the garage unit and retained Evolution Drafting LLC to demolish unpermitted structures. Jagy requested a lengthy extension — citing an upcoming knee surgery and the time needed to finish eviction proceedings — and asked that the magistrate treat the matter as a first offense. "I have served an eviction notice… eviction proceedings will be underway with Broward County without delay," he said.

The city asked for a $1,000-per-day fine because, it said, workers continued beyond the stop-work order and the violations presented a public-safety concern. The magistrate said he would take the owner at his word about cooperating but was not prepared to grant Jagy the 180 days he requested. Instead the magistrate held the fine at $1,000 per day but granted the respondent until July 16, 2026 (56 days from the hearing) to come into compliance and set an order to reappear on that date.

If the owner fails to meet the deadline, fines will accrue at the ordered daily rate; the magistrate also noted the city may take further enforcement steps if work continues in violation of the stop-work order.

The case was presented as case number BE2603121; the city relied on its inspection report and the stop-work notice in requesting enforcement. The magistrate’s order is the most recent procedural step; the matter will return to the docket if compliance is not demonstrated by the July 16 date.