Fort Pierce special magistrate orders permit timelines, reduces lien and stays fines in multiple cases

Special Magistrate Jamie Barrow presided over a City of Fort Pierce code-enforcement hearing on Feb. 12, 2026, and ordered owners of multiple properties to obtain permits or face fines, approved a reduced lien settlement and temporarily stayed fines in at least one case.

The hearing opened with Barrow explaining procedure for the streamed session and the order of proof: city evidence, respondent testimony, and a magistrate ruling. City inspectors presented photo and permit-record evidence across a docket of cases addressing unsafe structures, expired permits, missing electrical service and interior damage.

Joel Smith, a City of Fort Pierce investigator and building inspector, told the magistrate the city’s case in a matter involving 209th Avenue D (case initiated 08/06/2025) and recommended 60 days to obtain permits to address unsafe stairs, exterior walls and other violations. The owner listed in the record, James Knoll, said he purchased the duplex about four years ago and is renovating it with engineering plans and a contractor working to obtain permits; he added the units are not occupied. The magistrate found a violation and ordered the owner to obtain permits and necessary inspections within 60 days and warned that a $250-per-day fine would be assessed for noncompliance.

At 311 North 13th Street, Smith said one unit lacked electric service and the structure was unfit for occupancy; Francis Florent, appearing for the property, said one unit was operational, the other needed work and that a renovation permit had been applied for on Feb. 9, 2026. The magistrate ordered 60 days to obtain permits, inspections every 180 days until permit closure, and reiterated the potential $250-per-day penalty.

In a case at 1226 Easter Avenue, inspector Frank Rebbling described water-damaged ceilings and removed drywall requiring a permit. Tenant Bernard Martin recounted that the ceiling collapsed while he was showering, saying he had struggled to contact property managers after ownership changed. Assistant Building Director Sean Koss noted there were no deeds recorded in the county clerk’s office for the property. Citing the presence of an occupant, Barrow shortened the staff-recommended compliance window and ordered the respondent to obtain permits and complete required work within 30 days.

Miles Keller, an investigator for the city, presented a case about 1112 Rosedale Avenue where a roofing permit had expired. Owner John Bowman said the contractor had not scheduled required inspections; the magistrate allowed 90 days for Bowman to obtain the permit and inspections given the contractor-communication issues described.

The magistrate also reviewed a long-standing lien matter for 1206 Orange Avenue, where staff said fines and recording fees totaled $60,330. Property representatives offered to settle for $2,000 and the city recommended accepting that amount; Barrow approved reducing the lien to $2,000 payable within 12 months and warned the amount would revert to the original balance if unpaid, with 30 days to appeal.

In a fine-reduction request for 210 North 23rd Street, owner Kimberly Tucker said she relied on a contractor and was on Social Security disability; staff calculated administrative costs at $1,343.90. Barrow reduced the fine to that administrative cost and allowed 12 months to pay, noting reversion to the original $2,370 if unpaid.

On a telephonic appearance, Oren Cohen (son of property owner Joyce A. Cohen Kroll) said he had obtained an engineering report and a licensed contractor and requested relief; staff recommended and Barrow granted a 60-day stay of fine accrual for 308 Hernando Street while a proper permit is pursued.

A final docketed matter — 1904 San Marcos Avenue — was a no-show for an extension request; staff recommended denying the extension and the magistrate indicated he was inclined to do so. The magistrate closed the docket by reading several continued or complied cases and adjourned the hearing.

Actions at the hearing were procedural orders and enforcement timelines rather than legislative votes. For several cases the magistrate found violations existed and set compliance deadlines, including 30, 60 and 90-day windows depending on occupant risk and the state of contractor engagement. In the lien-reduction matter, the court approved a $2,000 settlement to be paid within 12 months. Parties retain the right to appeal court orders within 30 days, and the magistrate directed respondents to contact the building department after compliance if they wish to seek fee reductions.

The hearing was adjourned after the magistrate read a list of cases that were continued or came into compliance. The magistrate noted several times that if a permit was not closed within the stated time the fines or liens could be reinstated.