In 2023, the Governor and the Florida Legislature passed and signed into law Senate Bill 102 known as the Live Local Act (Act). The Act is intended to address the state's growing housing affordability crisis through significant land use, zoning, and tax incentives. In 2024, several bills revising the Live Local Act were signed into law. 

The Act allows a development project to utilize established density, height, and allowable uses to increase the availability of affordable housing. The Act also provides for administrative approval of residential and mixed-use multifamily rental developments in which at least 40 percent of the residential units are, for a period of at least 30 years, affordable as defined in Florida Statutes.

Live Local Act projects must still adhere to all other limitations and requirements contained in the Town of Longboat Key’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.

Town Property Available for Development as Affordable Housing:

As part of the Live Local Act, local governments are required to identify publicly owned land appropriate for affordable housing. A review of the inventory list of real property owned by the Town has been conducted to determine if any of these properties are appropriate for development as affordable housing. There are no properties owned by the Town that are appropriate for development as affordable housing at this time.

What is the process for a Live Local Act project?

Pursuant to Section 125.01055, F.S., each municipality shall maintain on its website a policy containing procedures and expectations for administrative approval under the Live Local Act. If you are interested in developing affordable housing utilizing the provisions outlined in the Live Local Act, please contact the Planning, Zoning and Building Department Director, Allen Parsons.

Note: During the Site Development process, the Owner shall record a Land Use Restriction Agreement (LURA), or other covenant running with the land, in a form acceptable to the Town of Longboat Key, Town Attorney to ensure the development maintains affordability for 30 years as required by the LLA.

As this is a new program, please check back often for new information as we gather experience and clarification regarding these new guidelines.