TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s latest changes to the Live Local Act took effect July 1, expanding where qualifying affordable housing projects can be built and setting the stage for the next phase of one of the state’s most significant housing policies.

The updates to House Bill 1389 build on the Live Local Act, first approved in 2023. Lawmakers say the revisions are intended to encourage more affordable and workforce housing by allowing qualifying developments on additional types of property while limiting some local government restrictions on those projects.

For Tampa real estate agent and National Association of Real Estate Brokers chapter President Keianna “KC” Carty, the law is already making a difference for first-time homebuyers.

While touring one of the Tampa homes developed through the program, Carty said buyers are benefiting immediately because the homes are priced below market value.

“They’re already walking into equity,” Carty said. “We are talking about generational wealth that’s being created. We’re talking about stability in homes, stability in schools, stability in the way of life. And people can actually put down roots.”

One of the homes is listed in the low $325,000s but appraises for roughly $100,000 more, providing immediate equity for qualifying buyers.

The latest revisions expand eligibility for certain Live Local projects to include land owned by counties, municipalities, school districts, and qualifying religious institutions. The law also limits the ability of local governments to use certain development standards to reduce allowable building heights for qualifying projects and tightens requirements for communities seeking to opt out of certain affordable housing tax exemptions.

Carty said she supports the expanded opportunities because Florida continues to face a housing shortage.

“I’m for the expansion because we have a lot of people that are sitting on land, and we need to be able to use that land for the density of housing,” she said. “We don’t have enough housing.”

The legislation marks the third major revision to the Live Local Act since it became law.

The City of Tampa has already approved more than 30 projects under the Live Local Act. However, the law remains controversial in unincorporated Hillsborough County, where some residents argue it reduces local input over new development.