Hillsborough County Code Violations: CEB Hearings, Daily Fines & Foreclosure

In Hillsborough County, code enforcement is managed by the Code Enforcement Board (CEB) and Special Magistrates. Unlike smaller counties that issue warnings and forget about them, Hillsborough County actively pursues “Compliance Liens.”

For 2026, the County has authorized fines of up to $1,000 per day for first-time violations that threaten public health or safety. Once these fines are recorded, they become a lien on your property that accrues interest. If the debt grows large enough, the Code Enforcement Board has the legal authority to foreclose on your home to collect the money.

This guide explains the 2026 Fine Schedule, the “Minimum Housing Standards” for landlords, and how to sell your house to a cash buyer to stop the daily fines immediately.

The 3 Most Common CEB Violations in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County inspectors target violations that degrade neighborhood property values, particularly in Brandon, Riverview, and Town ‘n’ Country.

1. Minimum Housing Standards (Rental Properties)

  • The Rule: Landlords are held to strict standards under the “Minimum Housing Code.” This includes requirements for working HVAC, weather-tight windows, and mold-free interiors.
  • The Risk: If a tenant reports you to Code Enforcement, the County can inspect the entire property. If you are found in violation, you face daily fines until every issue is fixed.
  • The Trap: You cannot evict a tenant for non-payment if the unit is deemed “uninhabitable” by Code Enforcement.

2. Inoperable & Commercial Vehicles

  • The Rule: You cannot park a commercial vehicle (over 1 ton) in a residential driveway. You also cannot keep an inoperable vehicle (flat tires, no tag) unless it is fully enclosed in a garage.
  • The Fine: Commercial vehicle violations are a major focus in residential HOAs and neighborhoods like Valrico. Fines start at $1,000 per day for repeat offenders.

3. Accumulation & “Junk” (Nuisance Abatement)

  • The Issue: Accumulation of trash, tires, construction debris, or overgrown grass (over 10 inches).
  • The Consequence: The County issues a “Notice of Violation.” If you don’t clean it up, the County hires a contractor to do it (Abatement). You are billed for the service, plus administrative fees. If unpaid, this becomes a lien on your property tax bill.

The 2026 CEB Fine Schedule

If you fail to comply by the deadline, your case goes to a hearing before the Code Enforcement Board (CEB) or a Special Magistrate. They have the power to impose massive daily fines.

Violation TypeDaily FineMax Penalty
First ViolationUp to $1,000 / dayUnlimited
Repeat ViolationUp to $5,000 / dayUnlimited
Irreparable Violation$15,000 (One-time)$15,000

Warning: Hillsborough County liens are “Super Priority.” They can survive a standard bank foreclosure in some cases, and the County itself can foreclose on your property if the lien remains unpaid.

Your Options: Compliance, Hearing, or Sale?

Option 1: Fix and Request a Lien Reduction

  • The Process: You must fix the violation perfectly and schedule a re-inspection. Once the fines stop running, you can apply for a “Lien Settlement” or reduction.
  • The Catch: You generally must pay an application fee, and there is no guarantee the Board will reduce the debt. They often require you to pay “administrative costs” which can be thousands of dollars.

Option 2: Attend the CEB Hearing

You can argue your case before the Board.

  • The Reality: The CEB hearing is a formal legal proceeding. If the County has photos of the violation, you will likely lose. The Board’s primary job is to enforce compliance, not to hear excuses about financial hardship.

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

If you are a landlord tired of fighting with the County over a “Minimum Housing” citation, or if you have an inherited house with a $50,000 lien, selling to a cash buyer is the fastest exit.

We Buy Hillsborough County Properties with Violations.

  • We Pay CEB Liens: We purchase properties with massive Code Enforcement liens. We negotiate with the County to pay them off at closing.
  • We Buy “Bad” Rentals: We buy rental properties with active Minimum Housing violations. We handle the tenants and the repairs.
  • We Close Fast: We can close in as little as 10 days, stopping the daily fines from growing any larger.

Important Contact Information

  • Hillsborough County Code Enforcement
    • Address: 3629 Queen Palm Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
    • Phone: (813) 274-6600
    • Website: hcflgov.net/code
  • Lien Payoff / Settlement Inquiries
    • Email: CodeLienPayoff@hcflgov.net

Stop The $1,000 Daily Fines. Sell Your House Today.

If you have received a Notice of Violation or are facing a CEB hearing, fill out the form below. We provide fair cash offers for properties with Code Enforcement liens in Hillsborough County.

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Areas We Serve in Hillsborough County

We help homeowners with code violations across the county, including:

More Resources for Hillsborough County Homeowners

Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice regarding Code Enforcement Board hearings or lien settlements. We recommend consulting with a Tampa real estate attorney.