Florida Grandmother Forced to Tear Down Treehouse Home After Accumulating $40,000 in Fines
72-year-old Shawnee Chasser has made the difficult decision to comply with Miami-Dade County and demolish her beloved treehouse, which has been her home for the past 17 years. Over the past eight years, Chasser has accumulated a staggering $40,000 in fines due to what authorities deemed as ‘unsafe’ construction.
Since 2015, Chasser’s neighbors have reported her property to the Miami-Dade County and the Building Code Enforcement Department. Upon inspection, it was determined that her treehouse was not up to code, leaving Chasser with two options – either bringing it up to code or dismantling it entirely. After years of fighting, Chasser has decided to stop resisting and is set to begin the demolition process on September 18.
However, living indoors is not an option for Chasser, who suffers from claustrophobia and has an inherent need to be in touch with the elements. Instead, she plans to construct a new treehouse, this time ensuring that it complies with all regulations and is built with the necessary permits.
Chasser, who has always preferred living outdoors, expressed her attachment to the sounds of rain and wind at night, stating, “If I don’t, I go crazy.” Originally, she purchased the property almost 20 years ago for her son, but after his untimely death, she decided to move into the treehouse herself. In recent years, she has shared her outdoor oasis with her two grandchildren and a pet raccoon named Coonie.
Over time, Chasser has made numerous additions to her treehouse, including relocating her bedroom higher up in the tree, building a kitchen and living room on the ground, installing a pool with a water fountain, and even constructing a new bedroom within a Tiki hut. These updates have transformed her outdoor home into a sanctuary not only for herself but also for her children and grandchildren.
To manage the accumulated fines and afford her mortgage and utility bills, Chasser has rented out her house to more than five tenants. In an effort to comply with the code, save her home, and continue providing for her grandchildren, she has set up a GoFundMe page which has garnered $1,205 in donations so far. Her goal is to raise $50,000, which will help cover the fines and expenses related to her outdoor structures.
Despite the ongoing battle between Chasser and Miami-Dade County, 7News Miami reports that the authorities have not taken any immediate action and are actively working towards bringing her property up to date and in compliance with regulations.
Although tearing down her beloved outdoor home is a difficult decision, Chasser hopes that it will bring her a sense of peace and allow her to reclaim her own life. She expressed her exhaustion, stating, “Right now, I am just tired of not having my own life.” With the support of her community and the funds raised through her GoFundMe campaign, Chasser remains optimistic about the future and her ability to continue living in harmony with nature.