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Florida Supreme Court Lets Lantana Woman's $165,000 Code Fines Stand

The state high court's refusal to take the case leaves six-figure municipal penalties intact.

Overview

  • The court declined to review the case on December 22, 2025, effectively ending the homeowner’s state-level challenge.
  • Case filings show the city seeks more than $165,000, including about $100,000 from $250-per-day parking fines applied over 407 consecutive days for two wheels on grass.
  • Additional fines for a storm-damaged fence and a cracked driveway added tens of thousands of dollars to the total.
  • Florida law under Chapter 162 authorizes daily penalties up to $250 for an initial violation and up to $500 for a repeat violation when issues remain unresolved after notice.
  • The Institute for Justice, representing Sandy Martínez, argues the cumulative penalties are excessive and says the lien has eroded her home’s value and impeded a sale despite homestead protections.