Polk County Code Violations: Demolition Orders, Unsafe Structures & Liens
In Polk County, code enforcement is managed by the Code Enforcement Division in Bartow. While they handle standard neighborhood issues, their primary focus is Chapter 10 (Housing and Unsafe Structures).
For 2026, the County has intensified its efforts to remove “blight,” specifically targeting dilapidated mobile homes and abandoned houses. If you receive a “Notice of Violation” for an unsafe structure, you are not just facing a fine—you are facing a potential Demolition Order.
This guide explains the 2026 Special Magistrate process, how to handle a County demolition notice, and how to sell your land to a cash buyer to avoid a demolition lien.
The 3 Most Common Code Violations in Polk County
Polk County inspectors (Code Officers) enforce the Land Development Code and International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).
1. Unsafe Structures (The Demolition Trap)
- The Rule: Any structure (house or mobile home) that is dilapidated, structurally unsound, or open to the elements is declared “Unsafe”.
- The Process: You are given a specific timeframe to repair or demolish.
- The Trap: If you miss the deadline, the case goes to the Unsafe Building & Abatement hearing. The Magistrate will order the County to demolish the structure. You will be billed for the demolition cost plus administrative fees. This bill becomes a “Special Assessment Lien” on the land.
2. Lot Clearing & Accumulation
- The Issue: High grass (over 18 inches), heavy underbrush, or accumulation of trash, tires, and junk on a property.
- The “Clean and Lien”: If you fail to clean the lot, the County hires a private contractor to do it. The cost is often 3x higher than market rates, and if unpaid, it becomes a lien on your property taxes.
3. Inoperable Vehicles & Storage
- The Rule: You cannot keep an inoperable vehicle (no tag, flat tires, dismantled) on your property unless it is in a fully enclosed garage.
- The Fine: The Special Magistrate can impose daily fines for each vehicle until they are removed.
The 2026 Civil Fine Schedule
If a violation is not corrected, the case is heard by the Special Magistrate. The Magistrate has the authority to impose fines that run daily until the property is compliant.
| Violation Type | Daily Fine | Max Penalty |
| First Violation | Up to $250 / day | Unlimited |
| Repeat Violation | Up to $500 / day | Unlimited |
| Irreparable Violation | $5,000 (One-time) | $5,000 |
Note: Demolition Liens and Lot Clearing Liens are “Super Priority.” They attach to the land and must be paid before the property can be sold or refinanced.
Your Options: Demolish, Appeal, or Sell?
Option 1: Demolish It Yourself
- The Process: You must hire a licensed demolition contractor, obtain a demolition permit from the Building Division, and clear the lot completely (including the foundation).
- The Cost: Demolishing a mobile home costs $3,000–$6,000. Demolishing a house can cost $10,000–$15,000.
Option 2: Special Magistrate Hearing
You can argue your case before the Magistrate.
- The Risk: If the structure is clearly dilapidated (e.g., caved-in roof, broken windows), the Magistrate has no choice but to uphold the violation. They will set a final compliance date, after which daily fines begin immediately.
Option 3: Sell “As-Is” (The Land Value Play)
If you own a lot with a condemned mobile home and no money to fix it, selling the land to a cash buyer is the smartest financial move.
We Buy Polk County Properties with Violations.
- We Buy Condemned Mobile Homes: We purchase land with “Unsafe Structures.” We handle the demolition and county permits ourselves.
- We Pay Demolition Liens: If the County has already demolished the structure and placed a lien on your land, we pay it off at closing.
- We Buy Hoarder Properties: We buy houses full of junk and debris. You don’t have to clean a single thing.
Important Contact Information
- Polk County Code Enforcement
- Address: 330 W. Church St., Bartow, FL 33830
- Phone: (863) 534-6054
- Website: polk-county.net/code-enforcement
- Building Division (Permits)
- Phone: (863) 534-6080
Resolve Your Demolition Order Today.
If you have received an “Unsafe Structure” notice or a demolition order, fill out the form below. We provide fair cash offers for land and properties with code issues in Polk County.
Areas We Serve in Polk County
We help homeowners with code violations across the county, including:
More Resources for Polk County Homeowners
- Looking for a standard sale? Visit our main page for We Buy Houses in Polk County.
- Facing Eviction? If you have bad tenants and code violations, visit our guide on Eviction Process in Polk County.
- Behind on Taxes? See our guide on Tax Delinquency in Polk County.
- Inherited a House? Visit our guide on Probate & Inheritance in Polk County.
- Back to Main Guide: Return to our overview on Code Violations & Red Tags.
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 Polk County real estate attorney.