The passing of Florida Senate Bill 328 in early 2024 amends many provisions of the Live Local Act (LLA) and brings significant changes to building codes and zoning regulations across Florida.

These revisions are seen as particularly favorable to developers planning mixed-income housing, but the implementation of such regulations will take time. As municipalities adjust to these new requirements, local governments will play a crucial role in interpreting and enforcing the Act’s state-wide provisions.

If you’re planning a project in South Florida, we strongly recommend connecting with a local construction expert who is familiar with the LLA and myriad permitting and code requirements that vary from county to county and municipality to municipality across Florida.

Timeline for Municipalities to Review

Now is when municipalities need to be reviewing and potentially amending their building codes and zoning ordinances to align with the Live Local Act. As part of the review process, local governments are expected to engage with community stakeholders, including residents, developers, and housing advocates.

Ultimately, municipalities must ensure that their local building codes do not conflict with the Act’s requirements. This includes preemptions on floor area ratios, height restrictions near single-family neighborhoods, and parking reductions in transit-oriented areas.

A key provision of the LLA is that it requires municipalities to establish clear administrative procedures for approving qualifying developments and to host this policy on their websites, although the Act does not specify a deadline for when this policy must be live. In general, most municipalities should have updated building codes and zoning regulations by some time in 2025. Once updated, municipalities will be responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing the new standards.

Contact Us at Seacoast Consulting Group with Questions

For the latest on municipality requirements relevant to your development project, get in touch with our team at Seacoast Consulting Group. We always keep close watch over changing regulations and how they will impact building projects in the tri-county area. To learn more or ask your questions about commercial construction in South Florida, give our office a call today at 786-433-8740.