Given the current economy, real estate investors and mortgagees may find themselves in possession of larger amounts of vacant property across the state of Florida. By their very nature, unoccupied properties are more likely to fall into disrepair, putting their owners at risk of unknowingly violating local county or municipal codes. Assuring compliance with these local codes can prove difficult, as code requirements vary from region to region, but is essential as even the smallest of violations can create thousands of dollars of liability per day. This article provides an overview of local code enforcement to help property owners meet compliance obligations and avoid potentially enormous fines, liens and even foreclosure.