A Hernando County couple, the Hartls, had planned to build their dream home on 17,500 square feet of land they purchased for $17,500. However, a neighbor informed them that Duke Energy held an easement on the property, prohibiting construction within 100 feet of the pole in any direction.
County records confirmed the property was zoned for residential or agricultural use, and county workers initially told the Hartls they could still build. But further research uncovered a 1955 document in public records that created a utility easement, rendering nearly the entire property unusable.
The couple is now left with only a small corner of their land, which cannot accommodate even a modest home due to septic and well requirements. Duke Energy stated that they are not involved in real estate transactions, but are responsible for ensuring customer safety and equipment protection.
Despite the reduced assessed value by 50% to $6,691, the Hartls are still stuck with the property. The situation highlights the importance of understanding how easements work and their impact. Homeowners should research local laws covering easements, consult legal experts if necessary, and review public records before purchasing a property.
Title insurance can offer some protection against issues like undisclosed easements that make your property unusable. However, it’s not foolproof, and homeowners may need to petition for changes or negotiate with the company or individual holding the easement to find a solution.
Source: https://moneywise.com/real-estate/florida-couple-cant-build-on-lot