Alachua County code enforcement magistrate hears March docket; multiple compliance deadlines and liens ordered

The Alachua County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate heard a full docket in March 2025, addressing complaints from county staff about unpermitted work, nuisance overgrowth, condemned mobile homes and accumulated junk. The magistrate set deadlines for compliance, recorded findings of compliance in a number of cases and explained procedures for liens and reduction hearings.

The hearing opened with the magistrate reading the authority of the panel and swearing in staff. EPD officer Rebecca Hoffman told the magistrate the county’s environmental unit observed a new irrigation system installed at the HCA Archer facility before an application was filed and that the installation failed three separate inspections; staff recommended halting further installation, giving the respondents 14 days to complete corrective work, recovering administrative costs of $750.25 and assessing $75 per day until compliance. No representative for the respondents was present; the magistrate said he would mail a decision to the respondents after review.

Several cases ended with findings that properties were now in compliance but with prosecution costs owed. Michael Williams, the county code officer, reported that Jacqueline Garvey’s property had been brought into compliance as of March 4, 2025; the magistrate recorded the finding of guilty but in compliance and noted the prosecution cost of $350. In other matters where compliance was reported, the county asked the magistrate to certify liens to recover prosecution costs and accrued fines.

Where cleanup or repairs were incomplete, the magistrate issued or confirmed compliance deadlines and encouraged respondents to coordinate with code officers to prevent further fines. For example, after hearing about a condemned mobile-home park with multiple lots needing demolition and permitting work, the magistrate granted 30 days for Tara Hopkins’s representatives to confirm compliance with the officer. Eleanor Bradley Mills—appearing for property where squatters had occupied structures—was granted 90 days to finish cleanup after describing court and safety hurdles that delayed work.

In property-maintenance cases, owners and occupants cited personal and logistical delays—family deaths, contractor scheduling and storms—as reasons for slow progress. The magistrate routinely offered extensions (commonly 30, 60 or 90 days) when staff reported ongoing progress and had no objection, and repeatedly instructed respondents to notify the assigned code officer when work was completed so staff could inspect and stop fines.

The magistrate also explained the lien and fine-reduction process. In the Rollins matter, the county requested certification of a lien for fines that accrued before compliance; the magistrate confirmed the property was now in compliance and said a lien would be placed for the accumulated fines and prosecution costs, while noting property owners can later request a reduction hearing after paying the prosecution cost ($350). In other cases where respondents were absent, the magistrate noted orders would be issued and that decisions or liens may be certified based on the record presented.

A reduction hearing toward the end of the docket involved Steven Kleinfeld, who sought relief for fines stemming from repeat violations. County staff said Kleinfeld had previously received a large reduction but had a repeat incident; the county recommended denying further reduction and the magistrate said he would issue a later decision.

The magistrate closed the hearing after noting the April docket was full and reminding participants to coordinate with county staff to confirm compliance and to use the reduction process if they can satisfy prosecution costs.

What happens next: the magistrate will issue written orders in several cases (including decisions and lien certifications) and will mail those orders to respondents. Respondents who have paid prosecution costs may seek reduction hearings to ask the magistrate to reduce accrued fines.