WRE News: New Bill Signed by Desantis Eases Demolition of Historic Florida Buildings

Miami, FL – March 24, 2024 – Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill aimed at simplifying the process for developers to demolish historic buildings near Florida’s coastline, raising concerns about the preservation of Miami’s Art Deco architecture.

The bill, known as SB 1526, places restrictions on local governments and preservation boards, limiting their ability to safeguard significant structures from demolition. This change particularly impacts the Miami Beach board responsible for overseeing the fate of approximately 2,600 buildings within locally designated historic districts. Despite being signed quietly without a public event, proponents argue that these modifications are essential for ensuring building code compliance in flood-prone coastal areas, where older structures may not be as resilient. While the bill includes exemptions for certain areas like St. Augustine, Key West, Palm Beach, and parts of South Beach’s Ocean Drive, concerns remain for Mid-Beach and North Beach neighborhoods in Miami Beach. Iconic Art Deco hotels along Collins Avenue, such as the Faena, Sherry Frontenac, Casablanca, and Carillon, could still face potential demolition under the new regulations. It’s important to note that although the bill doesn’t supersede local zoning laws, any new construction replacing demolished buildings must adhere to local regulations, unless developers opt for the alternative Live Local policy, allowing them to bypass zoning requirements by committing to develop workforce housing.