§ 2-49. Civil offenses and penalties.

(a)

The violation of any provision of any ordinances or codes shall constitute a civil offense punishable by civil penalty as follows:

(1)

Not in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per day for a first violation;

(2)

Not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) per day for a repeat violation;

(3)

An assessment of the cost of repairs incurred by the county where the violation was in the nature of a violation described in Section 162.06(4), Florida Statutes; and

(4)

In the instance where the special master finds that the violation is irreparable or irreversible in nature, the special master may impose a fine not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) per violation.

(b)

In determining the amount of the fine, if any, the special master shall consider the following factors:

(1)

The gravity of the violation;

(2)

Any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation; and

(3)

Any previous violations committed by the violator.

(c)

In every order assessing a civil penalty against a defendant, the special master shall include an assessment for all costs incurred by the county in prosecuting the violation, including but not limited to, the cost of certified mail, the cost of serving notices, the cost of serving subpoenas, attorneys' fees, the cost of staff time, and the cost of recording the order in the Official Records of Hernando County.

(d)

Civil penalties assessed pursuant to this article are due and payable to the county upon the order of the special master.

(Ord. No. 2004-09, § 4, 7-13-04; Ord. No. 2010-10, § 2, 3-24-10)