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House concurs in Senate amendment to housing bill to allow local height limits near historic districts
Summary
The House concurred in a Senate amendment to SB 1730 (CS for CS for SB 1730) that allows local governments to restrict building heights near historic properties and clarifies demolition and parking reduction rules; the measure passed on final reading in the House.
The Florida House on Tuesday concurred with a Senate amendment to CS for CS for SB 1730, a housing bill that adds preservation-focused language for parcels with structures in historic districts.
Representative Lopez explained the amendment as allowing local governments to restrict building heights on parcels with structures in historic districts, setting the measurement radius to three-quarters of a mile rather than one mile in some provisions, and clarifying that the "highest currently allowed" includes the zoning district maximum. The amendment also requires administrative approval for demolition associated with qualifying developments and keeps tiered parking reduction rules.
Members asked whether definitions for commercial and mixed-use zones were intended as clarifications of Florida case law; Lopez said the definitions were drafted to reflect how Florida courts interpret those uses. Representative Lopez noted the amendment grew out of requests from Miami Beach representatives concerned about preserving historic identity.
The House adopted the amendment and the final passage roll call showed 105 yays and 0 nays as announced by the clerk. Sponsors and supporters said the change strengthens local preservation authority while retaining regulatory clarity.
