South Florida’s Affordable Housing Fight Heats Up With Broward’s First Live Local Act Lawsuit

A brewing legal battle over a beachfront affordable housing development could redefine how cities across Florida implement the state’s ambitious Live Local Act.

On January 10, a developer filed Broward County’s first lawsuit under the Act, after the City of Hollywood blocked a proposed 17-story mixed-use development that would bring affordable housing to Hollywood Beach.

The lawsuit, filed by Government Law Group attorneys Keith Poliakoff, Alan G. Kipnis and Andrew Ingber on behalf of Condra Property Group, challenges Hollywood’s denial of the $80 million project planned for about seven blocks north of Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. At stake is whether cities can use special zoning districts to potentially circumvent the state’s new housing law.

While Hollywood has historically supported affordable housing initiatives, the City rejected this project’s final approval citing height concerns. The developers argue Hollywood is misinterpreting state law by refusing to accept the nearby Margaritaville Resort as a height benchmark for their proposed development.

The case has caught the attention of developers statewide, as its outcome could establish crucial precedent for how municipalities must balance local zoning preferences against Florida’s mandate to expand affordable housing options. With roughly $1 million already invested in planning and design, the lawsuit is seeking declaratory relief to compel the city to honor the Live Local Act.

The situation offers a compelling look at the tension between local control and state authority in addressing Florida’s housing crisis, while highlighting the practical challenges of implementing new housing legislation in desirable coastal areas.