Special Magistrate

The City of Lauderdale Lakes code cases are heard by a Special Magistrate.

The Special Magistrate is appointed by the City Commission and has the jurisdiction and authority to hear and rule over code compliance matters. The Special Magistrate is a licensed attorney and a member of the Florida Bar.

The Special Magistrate has the authority to subpoena witnesses and records, order rulings on violations, assess fines and order liens to be placed upon property.

Property owners cited by a Code Compliance Officer are given a reasonable amount of time to bring their property into compliance before the case is referred to the Special Magistrate.

After the Special Magistrate has ruled over a case, failure to correct the open code violations may result in fines of up to $250 a day until such violations are brought into compliance. Failure to comply could result in a lien filed against the title of the property. 

Hearings
Special Magistrate hearings are held at 1 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Commission Chambers in City Hall at 4300 NW 36th Street, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Please plan to arrive from one hour to 15 minutes prior to the hearing to register with the administrative staff.