how to wipe out code violation fines ?

[Dor Sade]

there is a house i want to buy in Fort Lauderdale FL, and it has code violations and 300K fines.
I am very interested in buying that house, it's an REO but i am not really familiar with the process of wiping these fines out and what exactly should i expect.
Mostly what bother me is buying the house and then being in the mercy of the city hoping they'll discount the fines.
I heard that as long as the bank still holds the property there is a better chance the city will do much more than if i bought the house and then try to deal with them.
i would appreciate any type of information regarding this process.
thanks

[Juan Diaz]

I've had the complete opposite experience from John. In Oakland, the city is usually happy to wipe out the code violation fines when you fix the problem. We've got fines from over 100K down to zero. 

Whatever you do, talk to the building department of the city about this. They'll be able to give you much better, more specific answers than anyone who does not have specific experience investing in Ft. Lauderdale and taking care of those fines.