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Consideration of Request by Submitted by Fisher Link Development, LLC, to Forgive Fines Ordered by Special Master for Code Violations Against Parcel Located at 12495 Bell Hollow Court
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Richard Matassa of Fisher Link Development, LLC (a currently defunct Florida company) has submitted a request for the Board of County Commissioners to forgive the fines, costs and fees ordered by the Special Master against Fisher Link.
On July 31, 2024, the Special Master found Fisher Link guilty of storing commercial vehicles, commercial equipment, and underground utility items on a residential lot at 12495 Bell Hollow Court, Spring Hill, as well as allowing grass and weeds to exceed 18 inches in height. The Defendant failed to appear despite having been informed of the violations by phone prior to citations being written and having signed for certified mail containing the Notice of Hearing. The penalty imposed was $678.25 along with a daily fine of $250.00 for each violation that would accrue until the violations were brought into compliance.
A status hearing was conducted on November 20, 2024, which Tina Matassa, a partner in the company, attended. Testimony was given that the property remained in violation with the continued storage of commercial equipment and underground utility equipment, as well as the presence of overgrown grass.
A second status hearing was conducted on February 19, 2025. The Defendant did not appear but had signed for the Notice of Hearing that was been sent by certified mail. Testimony again was given that storage of commercial equipment on the property was continuing, and the grass remained overgrown.
On June 18, 2025, yet another status hearing was conducted. The Defendant was present. Testimony was given that both violations had been brought into compliance as of March 20, 2025. The Special Master ordered that the grand total of daily fines and administrative fees accrued since July 31, 2024, was $85,186.00. This grand total is in addition to the penalties and costs of $678.25 already adjudicated on July 31, 2024, which began accruing interest on September 27, 2024. The Special Master’s Post-Judgment Order resulting from this hearing was recorded on September 17, 2025, at Book 4610, Page 1971 of the Official Records of Hernando County. The total amount currently due (including interest through December 31) is $86,595.21, plus the $10.00 fee to record any release.
The time for Fisher Link to appeal the Special Master’s Orders to the Circuit Court has lapsed, so the Board should only consider the request for forgiveness - not re-adjudicate the case as Mr. Matassa appears to request in his letter. The Board can therefore only vote on whether or not to grant the request for forgiveness of the penalties, costs and interest currently due, either in part or in full. If any amount is forgiven, the County Attorney should be authorized to prepare and sign either a Release of Lien or a Partial Release of Lien, depending upon the Board’s decision.
Neither the Board nor staff will need to take any further action should the vote be to deny the request for forgiveness.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The financial impact would be the potential future collection of the outstanding amount, depending on the decision.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
The County Attorney’s Office makes no recommendation. This agenda item presents purely a public policy matter, and the Board should determine whether or not it wishes to approve the request with the terms outlined above.