A new residential and hotel development proposed under Florida’s Live Local Act is facing opposition in Surfside, as local leaders voice concerns about the state law that limits municipal control over such projects.
Developers submitted plans in November for an 11-story building with 33 units on 95th Street. The project would replace a single-story post office from the 1950s. The application was filed by an affiliate of Postal Realty Trust, led by Andrew Spodek, and Ocean Walk Surfside LLC.
Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett criticized the plan, saying, “It’s outrageous that Florida politicians have ‘decided to destroy the fabric and composition of small towns’ via the Live Local Act.” He also described the project as a “disaster.”
The Live Local Act, which became law in 2023, provides incentives for workforce housing development. It allows developers to bypass public hearings if they meet certain requirements, removing some approval powers from cities. The law is designed to support tenants earning up to 120 percent of the area median income through measures like increased density and tax breaks.
Opponents argue that such developments could increase congestion, strain schools, and undermine local authority over land use decisions. Town staff are currently reviewing the application.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 1548, introduced by Sen. Alexis Calatayud. If passed, it would expand eligibility for Live Local projects to include properties owned by counties, municipalities or school districts—provided those entities are involved in the application process and projects remain within their jurisdictions. The bill would also prevent counties from limiting building height through setbacks or similar restrictions and clarifies that farms are not classified as commercial or industrial properties.
The legislative session begins Monday, with additional real estate bills expected to be discussed.
In other real estate news: A Palm Beach mansion at 1460 North Lake Way sold for $72 million; DWS Group sold a Coral Gables office complex for $119.6 million; a waterfront Palm Beach estate was listed at $105 million; Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin were involved in major Miami property deals; and a Coral Gables man pleaded guilty in connection with a boating accident that killed Ella Adler, daughter of developer Matthew Adler.
For further updates on these stories and related legislation: https://therealdeal.com/miami/
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