Property Registration Ordinance 09-59 – Frequently Asked Questions
This is in regards to the recently adopted County Ordinance 09-59, which establishes an abandoned real property registration system.
Q: When does this become effective?
A: The effective date of the Ordinance is November 2, 2009.
Q: What does this Ordinance require?
A: When a property has become abandoned, meaning the property is vacant and is under a notice of default and is the subject of foreclosure action or proceeding, the property must be registered with Hillsborough County. The Ordinance also requires that the mortgagee appoint a local representative to secure and maintain the structure, and that a sign be posted at the property to include the name and contact information for the mortgagee’s agent.
Q: Who is required to register?
A: The Ordinance places this burden on the mortgagee
Q: Which department should these registrations be sent to?
A: The Board of County Commissioners has designated Code Enforcement to administer this Ordinance to include the processing of registrations, maintaining the data, and enforcement of violations.
Q: What information must be provided on the registration?
A: The Code Enforcement Department will make available registration forms which will detail the following required information:
- The property address
- The owner’s name, address, and phone number
- The mortgagee’s name, address, and phone number
- The agent’s name, address, phone number, and email address
Q: What if the property is vacant, but no foreclosure proceedings have been initiated?
A: Registration is not required. The same holds true when foreclosure proceeding have begun, but the property has not been vacated. There is a two-pronged requirement that the property is both vacant and that foreclosure proceedings have been initiated by the mortgagee. If both are not true, then no registration is required.
Q: How often must the property be registered?
A: The initial registration is required to take place within ten (10) days after the mortgagee determines that the property is abandoned. Registration is good for one (1) year, if the property remains in the same state. After a year, the property must be re-registered.
Q: Is there a cost for registration?
A: Yes the cost for registering each property is $100.00
Q: What is the penalty for not registering a property with the County?
A: Violations of this Ordinance will be handled in the same manner as all other Ordinance violations enforced by Hillsborough County Code Enforcement. The mortgagee will be cited and provided an opportunity to complete the registration process. Continued noncompliance may result in forwarding the case to a hearing before the Code Enforcement Board/Special Magistrate where fines may be assessed against all properties owned by the violator in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per day for each day the violation continues.
Q: Who can I call if I have more questions about this Ordinance?
A: Please call John FerDon at 813-274-6631 or through email. |
