The Hidden Problems with Abandoned Houses in Florida: Chris Russo Explains the Risks
In Florida, abandoned houses aren’t just empty buildings — they can quickly become costly and dangerous for families. From squatters to adverse possession, these properties can spiral out of control before owners even realize it.
Chris Russo, a real estate probate specialist and cash buyer with more than 30 years of experience, shares the hidden risks of abandoned homes and how families can avoid losing everything.
The 9 Major Risks of Abandoned Houses in Florida
Adverse Possession: Florida law allows a person who lives in a property or pays its taxes for 7 years without the owner taking action to potentially claim ownership through adverse possession.
Insurance Challenges: Vacant houses are very difficult to insure. If coverage is available, premiums are often much higher. Many abandoned homes end up uninsured. If someone breaks in and causes a fire, the house could burn down, leaving only the land.
Liability & Lawsuits: Owners or estates can be held personally liable if someone gets injured or illegal activity takes place on the property, even if the house is vacant. To reduce liability, investment and vacant properties should ideally be placed in an LLC, corporation, or trust. (Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Always consult with an attorney for guidance.)
Higher Taxes Without Homestead Protection: Vacant properties are generally not homesteaded, which means they lose tax protections. Cities can freely raise property taxes without caps, adding more financial strain.
Squatters Taking Over: Vacant and abandoned houses often attract squatters who move in without permission. Removing them may take months and legal action, costing families time, money, and additional property damage.
Costly Code Violations: Florida cities issue fines for neglected properties with overgrown lawns, broken windows, or unsafe conditions. These violations can quickly reach thousands of dollars, threatening foreclosure or loss of the property.
Vandalism & Theft: Vacant houses are prime targets for vandals and thieves. Copper wiring, appliances, and fixtures can be stripped from the property, resulting in major repair costs and lost value.
Mounting Expenses & Neglect: Even when abandoned, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs pile up. Without upkeep, deterioration accelerates, making eventual repairs even more expensive.
Falling Neighborhood Values: An abandoned house impacts not only the owner but also the surrounding community. Neighboring property values drop, residents become frustrated, and neighborhoods decline.
Real Case: West Park Seller Nearly Lost Her Home
After the Kimberlly M. searched on Google ‘sell my abandoned house,’ she found 123SoldCash.com, saw all the 100% 5-star Google reviews, and decided to call Chris. She has this property in West Park who inherited a home after her parents passed away. The house had been vacant for over a year, and the city issued multiple code violations. The fines were so high that she was at risk of losing the property.
Chris stepped in and bought the house for cash, taking on all violations and financial burdens himself. The seller walked away relieved — free from debt and legal risks. This real-life example shows how we buy houses in West Park, FL solutions can save families from financial ruin.
Conclusion
Abandoned houses in Florida can quickly turn into financial and legal nightmares. From adverse possession to code violations, the risks compound over time. With more than 30 years of experience, Chris Russo of 123SoldCash.com helps families avoid these problems by offering quick, stress-free cash sales. His team is recognized as trusted cash home buyers in West Park who provide fast relief for struggling homeowners.
If you’re dealing with an abandoned home and need to move fast, learn how to sell your house fast in West Park, FL: https://www.123soldcash.com/sell-your-houses-in-west-park-fl/
Abandoned Houses in West Park, FL
In West Park, the number of abandoned houses has been rising. Families who inherit homes or fall behind on upkeep often leave them vacant, leading to code violations, squatters, and declining neighborhood values. Chris Russo and his team help homeowners resolve these issues before they spiral out of control.