In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed the Live Local Act, also known as SB 102, amending Section 125.379, Florida Statutes.  The legislation was again amended in 2024 by SB 328.

According to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the Live Local Act is a comprehensive, statewide attainable housing strategy, designed to increase the availability of affordable housing opportunities for Florida’s residents, who desire to live within the communities they serve. This framework provides historic recurring funding for housing very-low to moderate income households. In addition to a multitude of new programs, incentives, and opportunities, this legislation works to focus Florida’s housing strategy in ways that make housing more attainable.  Florida Housing will implement programs that support the development of multifamily residential housing, homeownership, and creating innovative approaches for all housing markets.

The Live Local Act requires counties to inventory properties owned by that county that may be appropriate for the development of affordable housing. 

The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners has identified 2 parcels that could potentially be developed for affordable housing: 

People interested in developing affordable housing on these properties can discuss their proposal with the Community Development Department.  To schedule an appointment, please call 863-763-5548 x 3073.  Please note that the conveyance or sale of any of the properties listed here is at the sole discretion of the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners.

Expedited Review for Affordable Housing Projects: Okeechobee County land development regulations include a provision establishing an expedited review process for affordable housing projects.  Section 13.02.031(A) of the land development regulations states the following:

Affordable Housing Projects: An affordable housing project shall be determined to be a minor or major development pursuant to section 13.02.01 and shall be reviewed accordingly as established by sections 13.02.02 and 13.02.03, but shall be subject to the following provisions.

         1.  Review of an affordable housing project shall be given priority in the site plan review process with a goal of a two-week turn-around time at the stage of review by the site plan technical review committee.  Where an affordable housing development is determined to be a major development or includes a plat and is therefore subject to review by the Planning Board or the Board of County Commissioners, the development plan shall be placed on the next available agenda of the respective board upon conclusion of review by the site plan technical review committee.

         2.  An applicant for an affordable housing project shall meet with the Planning Director prior to submittal of a proposed development and the Planning Director shall determine whether the proposal meets the definition criteria of an affordable housing project.

           3.  Where the Planning Director finds that the proposed development meets the definition criteria of an affordable housing project, and where the applicant is not seeking other incentives such as density bonuses, reduced parking, setback reductions or zero lot line configurations, the Planning Department shall assist the applicant in seeking expedited plan review and shall provide other assistance that promotes the construction of affordable housing as warranted.

The Live Local Act also includes other incentives and waivers for affordable housing projects.

You can view or download the full Live Local Act of 2023, Senate Bill 102, here.
Live Local Act of 2023, SB 102: Live Local Act of 2023, SB 102

After its initial adoption, a few glitches became apparent.  The Live Local Act was updated in 2024.  You can view or download the 2024 Live Local Glitch Bill here: Live Local Act, 2024 Glitch Bill Update