ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County woman says she does not feel safe in her own home because of her neighbor.
Elizabeth Thornton moved to Lockhart five years ago. She said things went downhill about two years ago when her neighbor who used to live in the house across the street died.
“I noticed a lot of trash being accumulated underneath the carport and several strange people coming in and out of the property, and it just grew and grew,” Thornton said. “Different cars would come park overnight. So much different types of traffic. I mean it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that this was an unhealthy type of environment.”
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According to property records, Martin Taylor purchased the home in Nov. 2023, however, Thornton told News 6 that Taylor died a month later.
The property remains in Taylor’s name, creating complications for addressing ongoing issues.
Orange County Code Enforcement has cited the property for not having power and running water. After failing to address these violations, the case was escalated to a Special Magistrate in May.
According to county documents, the Special Magistrate found Taylor, who is deceased, to be in violation of:
9.277, 277, 111.1.3 Structure unfit for human occupancy
A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is insanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.
9.277,277,111.8 Prohibited occupancy
Any occupied structure condemned and placarded by the code official shall be vacated as ordered by the code official. Any person who shall occupy a placarded premises or shall operate placarded equipment shall be liable for the penalties provided by this code.
9.277,505.3 Supply
The water supply system shall be installed and maintained to provide a supply of water to plumbing fixtures, devices in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable the fixtures to function properly, safely, and free from defects and leaks.
9.277, 604.1 Facilities required
Every occupied building shall be provided with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this section.
The Special Magistrate found the violations “present a serious threat to the public health, safety and welfare,” as stated in county documents.
Following the hearing, the property owner was given a 15-day window to correct the violations or face daily fines of $1,000. These penalties have now accumulated to more than $90,000.
“The homeowner is deceased. Who is paying the $1,000?” Thornton asked.
News 6 asked Orange County that very question, along with what is next for the property. A spokesperson emailed this statement:
Staff continue to communicate with neighbors and Commissioner Moore’s Office about the status of the property. Code inspectors from the Neighborhood Services Division identified code violations related to the property being occupied without power or water.
The code violations were not addressed, so the case went to the Special Magistrate in May 2025. The Special Magistrate adjudicated the code violations, and the property is accruing a $1,000 per day fine. The next step is for a lien to be recorded for the property.
Staff monitor the property, but Orange County Government does not have the authority to force the people staying there to leave. Lastly, based on the staff’s research, the lender filed for foreclosure (2025-CA-002853-O) in April 2025.
Amanda Dukes, Senior Public Information Officer, Orange County Government
News 6 reached out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office about Thornton’s concerns. We received this statement saying deputies have responded to the home multiple times and that it appears the occupants have permission to stay there:
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the situation and deputies have responded to the property on several occasions. It appears the occupants have permission to be there. Those concerned residents have been notified of this information. This matter is civil in nature, and any concerns outside of law enforcement have been communicated to the proper entities, which includes code enforcement. Our deputies maintain a continuous presence in the Lockhart area, actively patrolling and monitoring activity to ensure public safety and provide support to the community.
Media Relations, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
News 6 requested the amount of times Orange County deputies were called to the property during the time Thornton said the issues started.
We found out deputies were called to that home more than 20 times from November 2023 to July 2025. Most of those calls were for a suspicious incident.
News 6 asked the Orange County Sheriff’s Office who gave the occupants permission to be at the property, and a spokesperson did not answer that question.