Judge Rules on Joe Carollo's Home Exemption

Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo may retain his Coconut Grove home despite a $63.5 million judgment against him, as a federal magistrate judge recommended that the property be exempt from seizure under Florida's homestead law. This recommendation arises from a lawsuit where Carollo was found liable for violating the civil rights of developers Bill Fuller and Martin Pinilla, who sought to auction his home to satisfy the judgment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Lauren Louis concluded that Carollo had sufficiently demonstrated his intent to maintain the property as his primary residence. While the plaintiffs plan to contest this recommendation, Carollo's attorney celebrated it as a validation of his constitutional rights. The case has been marked by contentious legal battles over the status of Carollo's residence, which he purchased in 2001. A final ruling from U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith is still pending.