Live Local Act

The letter casts new doubt on the county’s long-running fight over the controversial law, giving ammunition to developers suing the county in six ongoing cases and potentially clearing a path for more than 7,500 housing units that have been put on pause.

The Live Local Act was pitched as a way to fast-track affordable housing near urban centers by cutting through red tape to build large-scale apartment developments.

The latest legal clash comes just months after SITC Inc. sued Sarasota County and each commissioner for voting down Live Local projects located in rural neighborhoods.

The lawsuits come amid a rush of new Live Local applications before a July 1 deadline, after which new state restrictions will make it more difficult to build apartment complexes on rural land.

The Live Local Act has become a flashpoint across the state, as residents and elected officials argue it can be used to push through projects that might not otherwise win approval.

Sarasota County Commissioners said they were reacting to a steady barrage of concerns from residents over the impact of the proposed developments.

An amendment allows local governments to opt out of tax exemption requirements mandated by the Live Local Act — but only if there is a surplus in affordable housing units in the region.

According to a Florida Policy Institute analyst, the law puts an unfair burden on those who are singlehandedly supporting children, parents or people with disabilities.

Both 2024 presidential candidates have made housing part of their legislative priorities for this election. Two Florida economists weight in on how each of these might affect voters in Central Florida.

Some developers are using Live Local to bypass local government approval.

The Florida Senate and House passed legislation that will amend Florida’s landmark law, affecting future affordable housing developments.

WUSF's Craig Kopp discusses Pasco County's approach to the law with County Commissioner Seth Weightman. The county considered a multi-family housing moratorium until problems with the law can be worked out.