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Multiple Florida Cities

Multiple Florida local governments share approaches to VAD property. These solutions are absent from the City of Tampa’s management of these spaces.

• Vacant property registration (Tampa has foreclosure registry only)
• Repeat violator definition aligns with state statute (Tampa’s does not)
• Variety of boarding materials, including transparent covering (Tampa requires plywood)
• 50% cost to rehab = demolition threshold (Tampa is one of a few that sets 75% standard)
• Quantitative/measurable definition for vacancy/abandonment (Re-examine Tampa’s)
• Automatic consent to enforce trespass (Tampa requires sign-up and yearly renewal)

The City would benefit from an analysis of the success of these approaches from other local governments to determine if they have been successful and worth considering for Tampa.

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Varied Approaches to VAD

Florida local governments serve as laboratories for policy responses to state-wide problems. These cities have implemented unique responses to the VAD issue in their boundaries. This list is by no means comprehensive. However, it provides a glimpse into breadth of responses that have been tried.

Miami

• Graduated vacant property registration fee over time. 
• $0.30/sq. ft. fee for vacant buildings >3 stories.

St. Petersburg

• Lien foreclosure of problematic properties with transition to affordable lots.
• Affordable Lot Disposition Program.

Jacksonville

• Timeline/time limit for vacant property.
• Specific procedures for mothballing in historic district to preserve deteriorating historic structures.

Orlando

• Requires CPTED-style wall, fence, or bollards for lots vacant >6 months in historic district.

Gainesville

• Permit required to board structure, supporting compliant procedures.
• Allowed polycarbonate window coverings to improve visibility into structures and reduce signaling blight and vacancy like plywood does.

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A Proper Study is Required

In order to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of responses from other Florida local governments, and to consider novel approaches to Tampa’s unique context, a proper study must be performed. This study should examine the gaps between Tampa’s code enforcement, housing, historic preservation, and economic development to make recommendations for how to best support Tampa’s vulnerable residents.