Forbes reports that Florida’s legislative environment continues to evolve with the passage of House Bill 1389, the 2026 updates to the Live Local Act. This latest policy tailwind reinforces why sophisticated developers are treating Florida as a core long-term platform, as the bill requires municipalities to allow multifamily or mixed-use residential development in commercial, industrial, or mixed-use zones so long as at least 40% of the units are affordable.
Pinnacle Partner Tim Wheat noted that these specific revisions are a game-changer because they unlock underutilized land owned by school boards and religious institutions. Wheat shared that this expanded access to “by-right” development sites will fuel Pinnacle’s interest in forming new public-private partnerships throughout the state.
By creating more certainty around property tax exemptions and residential density, HB 1389 makes it easier for developers to tackle the Florida affordable housing shortage.
