Understanding the History of the 2023 Florida Keys Building Ban - Part 2

After the turbulent years previous, following the passing of the laws regulating land development in the Florida Keys, the future of the Florida Keys real estate market was uncertain. The 1980's saw many attempts by local governments to regain some of the control that was taken over by the state prior. Ultimately, the state continued to have ultimate authority, even when the county gained small victories of progress.

The most notable development in the long history of progression came in 1992 when the state government required Monroe County to pass the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO). ROGO was designed to sharply control development and growth in the Keys by strictly limiting the number of building permits allotted and creating a detailed screening and application process for such allocation. Arguably no other single piece of legislation has had such a dramatic impact on Florida Keys real estate today as the Rate of Growth Ordinance.

All of this has led us to the ultimate act that the market is currently facing - the building ban that will take effect in 2023. But why 2023? What is so special or important about that year in relation to when this all began back in 1972? In the years since being designated an “Area of Critical Concern,” experts have sought to determine at what point the population will be maxed out so that all residents of the Keys can safely and efficiently evacuate the islands within a 24-hour window. Analyzing rates of growth in the Keys over many years, experts have determined that the maximum capacity population will be reached in the year 2023 - hence the building ban.

Whether you are a current resident, prospective future homebuyer, or investor in the Keys this building ban will have far-reaching implications and it is imperative to understand how we got here to be able to move forward in the best way for residents as well as for the natural environment here that we all love so much.