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Council advances first reading for Hotel Floridan historic-tax exemption after $38M renovation
Summary
Council voted unanimously to move forward on a first-reading ordinance granting an ad valorem historic-preservation tax exemption for the restored Hotel Floridan at 905 N. Florida Ave., following a presentation that said the owner invested roughly $38 million in renovations and that ARC recommended approval.
Dana Crosby, counsel to the Architectural Review Commission, presented the first-reading ad valorem tax exemption ordinance for the Hotel Floridan at 905 North Florida Avenue and summarized the building's restoration history.
Crosby said the hotel, constructed in 1926 and declared a local historic landmark, underwent a multi-part rehabilitation authorized by ARC and the owner spent over $38,000,000 to restore original features including the elevator, tile floors and internal columns. "We came to ARC for approval of part 1 of the rehab in 2023...the owner spent over $38,000,000 to renovate this hotel and bring it back to its former glory," Crosby said.
Councilmembers praised the restoration as preserving an iconic downtown structure. Councilmember comments noted past threats to historic buildings downtown and thanked the current and previous owners for meticulous restoration work. The council moved the ordinance on first reading and set the second reading and adoption for 08/27/2026 at 10:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers; the motion carried unanimously with Councilwoman Viera absent for the vote.
No amendments were made at first reading; ARC and staff indicated they will return with second-reading materials on 08/27.
