Duval County Code Violations: MCCD Notices, Unsafe Structures & Daily Fines

In Duval County, code enforcement is managed by the Municipal Code Compliance Division (MCCD). Because Jacksonville and Duval County operate as a consolidated government, the MCCD has significant authority to enforce Chapter 518 (Property Safety and Maintenance Code).

For 2026, the City has intensified its use of Special Magistrates to process violations. Unlike a standard HOA warning, a “Notice of Violation” from the MCCD carries the potential for Daily Civil Fines and Special Assessment Liens. If the City cuts your grass or demolishes an unsafe structure, that bill attaches to your property with “super-priority” status—meaning it must be paid before most other debts.

This guide explains the 2026 Fine Schedule, the timeline for “Unsafe Structure” notices, and how to sell your house to a cash buyer to resolve MCCD liens immediately.

The 3 Most Common MCCD Violations

Jacksonville inspectors (Code Compliance Officers) actively monitor neighborhoods. Here are the three citations that most commonly lead to financial issues for homeowners:

1. Unsafe Structures & Demolition (Chapter 518)

  • What it is: A property declared “dilapidated, unsanitary, or unsafe” due to fire damage, roof collapse, or hoarding.
  • The “Red Tag” Process: You receive a notice giving you 30 days to repair or demolish the structure.
  • The Risk: If you miss the deadline, the City has the right to demolish the building. They will bill you for the demolition cost (often $10,000+) and place a Demolition Lien on the land. This lien typically has priority over your mortgage.

2. Nuisance Abatement (City Abatement)

  • What it is: High grass (over 15 inches), accumulation of trash/tires, or “snipe signs” (bandit signs).
  • The Process: If you don’t clean it up, the City hires a contractor to do it.
  • The Cost: You are billed for the contractor’s rate plus administrative fees. This debt becomes a Nuisance Abatement Lien, which is treated as a “Special Assessment” on your tax bill.

3. Junk Vehicles & Zoning Issues

  • The Rule: You cannot keep an inoperable vehicle (flat tires, no tag) visible on your property. It must be in a fully enclosed garage.
  • The Fine: These are “Class” violations that can trigger daily fines if not removed.

The 2026 Schedule of Civil Fines

If you fail to comply by the date on your notice, the case goes to a Special Magistrate Hearing. The Magistrate has the power to impose daily fines that run until the property is fixed.

Violation TypeDaily FineMax Penalty
1st ViolationUp to $250 / dayUnlimited
Repeat ViolationUp to $500 / dayUnlimited
Irreparable / Irreversible$5,000 (One time)$5,000

Note: These fines attach to the property as a lien. If the fine reaches a significant amount, the Code Enforcement Board can foreclose on your home to collect the debt.

Your Options: Fix, Appeal, or Sell?

Option 1: Comply (The Repair Route)

  • For Unsafe Structures: You must pull permits and hire a general contractor to bring the entire building up to current 2026 building codes.
  • For Liens: You must pay the City of Jacksonville directly to obtain a “Satisfaction of Lien” before you can refinance or sell traditionally.

Option 2: Special Magistrate Hearing

You can argue your case before the Special Magistrate.

  • The Risk: The Magistrate acts like a judge. If they rule against you (which is common if the violation is visible), the daily fines often start running retroactively from the original compliance date.

Option 3: Sell “As-Is” (Stop the Assessment)

If you are facing a demolition lien or cannot afford the repairs on a “Red Tagged” house, selling to a cash buyer is the fastest solution.

We Buy Duval County Houses with Violations.

  • We Pay Special Assessment Liens: We buy properties with active Nuisance Abatement or Demolition liens. We pay the City of Jacksonville at closing so the debt doesn’t follow you.
  • We Buy “Unsafe Structures”: We purchase fire-damaged or condemned homes. We take over the demolition or rehab orders.
  • We Handle the Magistrate: We sign an affidavit assuming responsibility for the code violations, which typically stops the daily fine clock against you.

Important Contact Information

  • Municipal Code Compliance Division (MCCD)
    • Address: 214 North Hogan Street, 7th Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32202
    • Phone: (904) 630-CITY (2489)
    • Website: jacksonville.gov/departments/neighborhoods/municipal-code-compliance
  • Code Enforcement Special Magistrate
    • Location: Ed Ball Building, 214 North Hogan Street, 7th Floor

Stop The Daily Fines. Sell Your House Today.

If you have a “Red Tag” on your door or a Nuisance Lien on your title, fill out the form below. We can make you a cash offer that resolves the MCCD violations and puts money in your pocket.

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Areas We Serve in Duval County

We help homeowners with code violations across the entire consolidated city, including:


More Resources for Duval County Homeowners


Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice regarding Special Magistrate hearings or demolition orders. We recommend consulting with a Jacksonville real estate attorney for legal representation.