Florida’s Live Local Act (LLA) introduced various measures to promote workforce housing developments across Florida, including those in Palm Beach County. One aspect impacted by the LLA is an adjustment to Floor Area Ratio (FAR) requirements for qualifying housing and mixed-use development projects. These new regulations play a crucial role in evaluating a project’s feasibility under the Live Local Act.

Below we’ll discuss how FAR adjustments under the Live Local Act affect development projects in Palm Beach County and what developers need to know to take advantage of these changes.

Key Floor Area Ratio Adjustments Under the Live Local Act

Floor Area Ratio (also called floor lot ratio) is a ratio that represents the total floor area of a building relative to the size of the plot on which it is built. For example, a FAR of 2.0 means that the total floor area of the building can be twice the area of the plot. Local zoning ordinances often cap FAR to control the density and impact of development on surrounding areas.

With the amendments put forth in Senate Bill 328, the LLA now preempts local government standards for FAR and allows qualifying development projects to utilize up to 150% of the maximum FAR permitted within the jurisdiction.

Additionally, municipalities cannot restrict the height of the proposed development below the highest currently allowed height for a commercial or residential building located within a 1-mile radius of the proposed development or three stories, whichever is higher.

The increase in allowable floor area enables developers to construct larger buildings, accommodate more units and potentially generate greater revenue.

Get in Touch with Our Team at Seacoast Consulting Group

While the LLA relaxes some zoning restrictions, developers still need to navigate local building codes, environmental regulations and other approvals. Partnering with a construction consultant can help streamline the process and ensure compliance. Contact our team at Seacoast Consulting Group to schedule a free consultation to discuss your next project in Palm Beach County.