April 21, 2025
By KONK Life Staff Writer
In a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the Florida Keys’ housing affordability crisis, Monroe County is overhauling its Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) to prioritize workforce housing. The revisions introduce a new category for market-rate workforce housing, targeting full-time residents who earn at least 70% of their income within the county.
The ROGO system, established to manage development in the environmentally sensitive Florida Keys, allocates a limited number of building permits annually. Under the new amendments, a substantial portion of these permits will be reserved for workforce housing, with 70% of new allocations designated for this purpose. These units will be deed-restricted for 99 years, ensuring long-term affordability and occupancy by local workers.
To accommodate this shift, the county is also seeking to extend the hurricane evacuation clearance time from 24 to 26 hours. This extension would allow for up to 3,550 new residential permits countywide, with a significant number allocated for workforce housing. The proposed changes are pending approval from the state legislature, with discussions expected in the upcoming legislative session.
Additionally, the county has introduced the Affordable Workforce Housing Early Evacuation Initiative, allocating 300 building permits for units that require occupants to evacuate in the first phase of a hurricane warning. This measure aims to enhance public safety while expanding housing options for essential workers.
These policy changes reflect Monroe County’s commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with the pressing need for affordable housing. By prioritizing housing for local workers, the county seeks to sustain its communities and economy in the face of ongoing challenges.
[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]
No Comment