Beyond the Coastline: Florida’s Rural Developers Have New Tools to Build Affordable Housing

Florida’s housing reforms aren’t just for the big cities. The Live Local Act and a wave of new data tools are opening doors for rural housing providers.

Florida’s Housing Gap Is Growing

By 2024, Florida was short more than 323,000 affordable units for households earning below 30% of area median income, according to Florida TaxWatch. The shortage isn’t limited to Miami or Orlando—rural counties are feeling it too, with limited inventory and rising rents.
→ Source: Florida TaxWatch

A New Path Through the Live Local Act

The Live Local Act gives developers powerful incentives to bring housing to job-rich, under-served areas:

• Allows multifamily housing on commercial or industrial land if 40% of units are affordable for 30 years

• Offers property-tax exemptions and streamlined approvals

• Lets localities adjust density, parking, and height limits for qualifying projects
  → Source: Best Lawyers | Florida TaxWatch

Why It Matters for Rural Communities

In rural counties, every dollar counts. Property-tax relief, faster permitting, and new land-use flexibility can turn a project that almost works into one that actually gets built.

Smaller developers can also use the new Florida Housing Data Project to pinpoint counties with the greatest need and make stronger funding applications.
→ Source: Reason Foundation | FSU News

Barriers Still Exist

Permitting delays, infrastructure costs, and limited local capacity can still stall good projects. Many rural nonprofits need help layering state credits, USDA RD funds, and Live Local Act incentives.

Make sure to watch for regular newsletters from Florida CARH on timely updates like these.