TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Tallahassee Flea Market is facing code violations and hundreds of dollars in fines. <\/p>\n
The market shut down last summer<\/a> after four decades due to severe damage from a winter storm. <\/p>\n Since then, it has been operating at 2801 North Monroe Street<\/a>, in a motel parking lot under a lease agreement with the motel owners.<\/p>\n However, the market is now facing fines due to a violation citing unpermitted use of the premises. Flea market organizers said they initially received a building code violation on April 11, followed by a tent permit violation days later.<\/p>\n A Code Magistrate order filed May 7 revealed that the city fined the motel owners $250 for a temporary use permit violation based on testimony and evidence presented. An additional $250 per day will accrue each day the property remains in violation, according to the court record.<\/p>\n More Tallahassee News<\/p>\n However, organizers claim the tent violation does not apply to the market\u2019s operations because the tents sit under permit measurements.<\/p>\n Besides city officials, some residents have also raised concerns regarding the flea market\u2019s operations. <\/p>\n According to emails sent to city officials from one resident, the flea market activity in that area has raised various concerns, including a lack of a traffic-control plan, no clearly marked pedestrian areas, traffic backups along a major roadway, vehicles overflowing beyond the site\u2019s parking capacity and drivers entering and exiting in ways that create hazardous conditions.<\/p>\n The resident said it is evident that there are people \u201cactively and openly defying the ordinances of the City of Tallahassee, jeopardizing public safety and putting others at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe people left carrying the risk are members of the public who reasonably expect that established safety standards are being upheld. If there is a medical emergency, first responders need unobstructed access and adequate clearance to react quickly,\u201d the resident said. \u201cThese requirements are not arbitrary bureaucracy; they exist because public safety depends on them.\u201d<\/p>\n Tune in to Eyewitness News at 5 and 6 for the full story. This story will also be updated this evening with full details.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n