World · India Bureau
US homeowner faces boundary dispute as developer seeks golf club land
An 11-year property ownership dispute has emerged in Florida as a residential developer claims portions of a homeowner's backyard encroach on newly acquired land. The disagreement highlights potential complications when established properties adjoin major development projects.
LSN India ·
Joe Donzelli purchased his Tamarac home in 2015, drawn primarily by its amenities: a swimming pool, enclosed patio, and views overlooking a nearby golf course. A decade later, his property has become the focal point of a boundary dispute following the sale of the adjacent Woodlands Country Club to developer 13th Floor Homes.
The developer has begun transforming the former golf course into a residential community comprising 335 homes. In the process, 13th Floor Homes has asserted that portions of Donzelli's backyard—specifically his pool area—may extend beyond his property boundary into land now owned by the developer. The company initially demanded that Donzelli remove the pool structure within three days.
Donzelli disputes the developer's claim, citing official Broward County property records that appear to support his position. According to the county's property mapping data, his enclosed patio falls entirely within his established boundary. The discrepancy between the developer's assertions and county documentation has left the matter unresolved.
The dispute underscores the challenges that can arise when established residential properties border major development initiatives. As 13th Floor Homes proceeds with its expansion plans, resolution of the boundary question remains pending, with property records serving as a critical factor in determining the legitimate ownership claims of both parties.