WRE News: Florida’s Coastal Heritage at Risk: Renewed Legislative Efforts Threaten Iconic Buildings

Miami Beach, FL – January 28, 2024 – Amidst renewed legislative efforts in Florida, historic preservationists face an uphill battle to protect coastal buildings, as proposed bills threaten to dismantle key safeguards for iconic structures. At the heart of the legislation is the idea that aging coastal buildings should be demolished if deemed unsafe or failing to meet federal flood-resistant standards. Although exemptions are proposed for single-family homes and structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places, concerns loom over the fate of historic hotels along Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Senator Bryan Avila, the bill’s sponsor, acknowledged the controversy, emphasizing the delicate balance between preserving history and property rights. Last May, a bill aiming to undermine protections for historic coastal buildings in Florida was thwarted in the House, offering a temporary reprieve to preservationists. However, the specter has returned in this year’s legislative session, with the Senate version advancing through committee despite concerns from advocates fearing the erosion of unique tourist destinations like Miami Beach, St. Augustine, and Key West. In response, Representative Spencer Roach has filed a companion bill in the House, seeking to soften the impacts. While both bills face opposition, proponents argue for increased property development freedom and the necessity of ensuring building safety against coastal flooding.