June 2025 Edition
The Ledger is your source for the latest updates, stories, and insights on the Live Local Act (LLA) and its profound impact on affordable housing across Florida. Every month, we delve into the transformative projects, legislative updates and community voices that are shaping the future of housing for Florida’s workforce.
Stay informed with in-depth features on innovative developments, learn about implementation strategies of leading municipalities and explore the dynamic conversations within communities about urban planning and housing initiatives.
The Ledger is more than just a newsletter—it’s your gateway to understanding how policy and practice converge to create a more inclusive and affordable housing landscape in Florida.
Spotlight: 2025 Live Local Act Amendments Take Effect: What’s Changed and Why It Matters
This July, Florida’s affordable housing landscape took a leap forward as the 2025 amendments to the Live Local Act (LLA) officially took effect, following Governor DeSantis’ signature on June 23, 2025. These changes require local governments to grant swift administrative approvals for qualifying projects, to expand eligibility for affordable housing on religious and mixed-use properties, to reduce parking requirements by 15%, and to prohibit local barriers like residential usage quotas in mixed-use developments.
So, what’s changed?
Faster Approvals: If you’re building affordable housing, you can now get the green light a lot quicker. Local governments have to give administrative approval to qualifying projects within a prescribed time.
More Places to Build: The law now allows affordable housing on land owned by religious institutions with a house of worship, no matter what the original zoning says. It also clarifies that planned unit developments are fair game, as long they have underlying entitlements for commercial, mixed-use, or industrial.
Less Parking, More Homes: For affordable housing projects, local governments must reduce parking requirements by 15%, freeing up more space for homes and less for pavement.
Fewer Roadblocks: Cities and counties are prohibited from imposing barriers such as caps on the number of affordable homes in mixed-use buildings or making developers jump through extra hoops for density.
Clearer Rules: The law closes some loopholes and makes sure that the most generous density, height, and floor area standards established on or after July 1, 2023, apply to affordable housing.
New Benefit: The Missing Middle property tax exemption now runs with the property, allowing the tax benefit to transfer automatically to new owners, ensuring continuity and stability in incentives.
Live Local Development Round-Up: June Highlights
🔨 Coast Life Companies is advancing four LLA projects in Cape Coral, starting with CIVITAS, a 96-unit workforce housing community that opened in February 2025 on Pine Island Road. The development serves as a model for future LLA efforts in the area, aiming to expand housing options for middle-income residents.
🔨 Green Mills Group is behind East End Catalyst, a transformative workforce housing project near the Bartow Cigar Factory. Backed by a $1 million commitment from Polk County, the development uses Live Local to fast-track construction and infrastructure upgrades in a historically underinvested area. Community input sessions are ongoing as the project moves forward.
🔨 The Related Group is moving into Phase II of its South SoMi Parc master plan with a Live Local project at 5949 SW 68th Street, adjacent to the South Miami Metrorail Station. At least 40% of the units will be income-restricted for households earning up to 120% AMI, aligning with LLA standards. This follows the first phase, completed in 2024.
🔨 36th ST Owner LLC has proposed a 37-story, 364-unit tower in Wynwood Norte—dramatically exceeding prior height limits by using the Live Local Act’s zoning preemption. At least 40% of the units will serve workforce households earning up to 120% AMI. The project is currently under review by the Urban Development Review Board.
Community Story: Celebrating Progress & Connection
In June, several client-hosted events across Miami-Dade County highlighted the spirit of community and the momentum of affordable housing progress. Our founder, Daniel Lopez, was proud to attend these gatherings, which showcased how design, storytelling, and policy can come together to build stronger neighborhoods.
🔹 Legacy at 36th (3650 NW 36th Street, Miami)
Alongside Legacy Residential Group, the team participated in a resident event at Legacy at 36th focused on education and communication around LLA.
The Legacy team continues to set a high standard in fostering awareness and engagement with the program. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and interactive environment supports strong community connections.
🔹 Natura Gardens (17351 NW 94th Court, Hialeah)
Alongside the Greystar staff, our team joined Natura Gardens for a Live Local pool party focused on community engagement and program awareness. The event saw a strong turnout, with residents enjoying music, paella, and the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of Live Local.
This gathering successfully increased tenant participation and helped expand understanding of the program throughout the community.
🔹 Beacon Hill at Princeton (25100 SW 133rd Avenue, South Miami-Dade)
This groundbreaking marked a milestone as the first project in Miami-Dade County approved under the Live Local Act. Once completed, the development will bring 112 workforce housing units to the area. The event brought together developers, community leaders, and residents in celebration of a shared commitment to meeting local housing needs.
If the 2025 amendments to the Live Local Act show us anything, it’s this: when policy clears the path, people fill it with purpose. Faster approvals, expanded eligibility, and fewer roadblocks are reshaping what’s possible—but the real story is in the moments we share on the ground. From groundbreakings to resident gatherings, we’re seeing firsthand how affordable housing becomes community.
Let’s keep building. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected—because creating a stronger, more affordable Florida starts with living local.