FLORIDA
HB 267 modifies the Florida Building Code relative to replacement windows and doors and permit approvals. Other laws include SB 770 to address financing and taxation of property improvements, SB 988 to clarify public records exemptions related to My Safe Florida Home Program, and HB 7013 to restrict Neighborhood Improvement Districts.
CONDO INSPECTIONS DUE DEC. 31 “Milestone” inspections of Florida condominium buildings are due by the end of the year. The structural safety inspections are required for buildings over 2 stories that were at least 30 years old on July 1, 2022. Associations are also required to submit Strategic Integrity Reserve Studies, which estimate lifespans of structural and mechanical systems. While the Governor wants legislative relief this year, legislative leaders are planning to address the situation in the 2025 session that begins in March.
WETLANDS PERMITTING UPDATE The U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies have requested that the dispute about permitting authority for projects affecting wetlands be reviewed by a U.S. District judge. Permitting will continue to be handled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers instead of the State of Florida until the case is resolved. Wetlands permitting is under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency.
LEE COUNTY
The Lee County Legislative Delegation was effective in passing real estate related legislation, including SB1586 to designate the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act to restrict local regulation of nonconforming and unsafe structures.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMING Lee County Commissioners have approve allocating $89.5 million in housing grant funds to 8 proposed affordable housing projects that will include 412 affordable multifamily housing units and 262 affordable single-family homes. Collier County Commissioners have approved a plan amendment and zoning change to allow development of 305 units, including 92 affordable apartments, on 37 acres of agricultural land on Immokalee Road. Collier County is also using state sales surtax funds to acquire 412 acres of farm land on Immokalee Road for development of workforce housing. The County does not have a development partner for the project at this time. The City of Naples is considering developing affordable housing on City-owned land on 10th Street North.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
Mary Gentile, CRX, CSM
