HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County leaders are preparing for a legal fight with the state after a unanimous vote to challenge the constitutionality of Florida’s Live Local Act, a law designed to fast-track affordable housing development.
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Hillsborough County leaders are preparing for a legal fight with the state after a unanimous vote to challenge the constitutionality of Florida’s Live Local Act, a law designed to fast-track affordable housing development
County commissioners say the law goes too far by allowing developers to override local zoning rules, even in areas zoned for low-density or rural use, stripping local governments of decision-making authority and public input
Under the law, developers can move projects forward if they include a set number of affordable units — a provision, county leaders argue, that has led to an influx of multifamily proposals without adequate consideration for infrastructure
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has also indicated it is open to other jurisdictions joining the legal challenge
County commissioners say the law goes too far by allowing developers to override local zoning rules, even in areas zoned for low-density or rural use, stripping local governments of decision-making authority and public input.
The Live Local Act was passed in response to Florida’s ongoing housing crisis, with supporters arguing it increases supply in areas where affordability is most strained. But critics say the approach prioritizes speed over planning.
“It’s kind of like building something in your neighborhood and you had no say,” said Brian Bokor, a real estate appraiser who has been tracking Live Local developments in unincorporated parts of the county.
Under the law, developers can move projects forward if they include a set number of affordable units — a provision, county leaders argue, that has led to an influx of multifamily proposals without adequate consideration for infrastructure.
Transportation is one of the biggest concerns, Bokor said, particularly in areas with limited public transit.
“Out here, HART service is not really that active in this part of the county and if you build a Live Local Act where the people don’t have public transportation, it makes it hard for those people to get around,” Bokor said.
County Commissioner Joshua Wostal has described the law as “wreaking havoc” across Hillsborough County’s 700 square miles of unincorporated land, warning it could result in what he calls an overwhelming number of near-automatic approvals.
While Bokor supports the goal of affordable housing, he believes location is key to its long-term success.
“It’s the most important thing to me. It really is,” Bokor said. “I think where it is built would be a lot more successful if it was built closer to urban amenities like HART and jobs.”
County leaders say the lawsuit is aimed at restoring local control over land use decisions, not stopping affordable housing altogether. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has also indicated it is open to other jurisdictions joining the legal challenge.