The Live Local Act offers incentives to developers who build affordable housing, but a patchwork of local enforcement means it’s not reaching its full potential.
A 2023 Florida law has produced more than 3,100 new affordable housing units in the state, but not all local governments and developers are keen on the legislation, reports David Beasley in Florida Trend.
According to a report from Florida TaxWatch, the Live Local Act “requires that at least 40% of units in eligible projects remain affordable for 30 years, and it allows multifamily development in commercial, industrial, or mixed-use zones without rezoning, subject to administrative review.” Notably, the law also bars local governments from implementing rent control.
Localities can opt out of the incentives if they already have a surplus of affordable housing, Beasley explains. In other regions, developers have simply not applied to build any projects under the law. “TaxWatch recommends that the Florida legislature consider creating statewide tax credits, a corporate income tax homebuilders to encourage developers to build more affordable single-family homes and a state low-income tax credit for rental properties.”
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