HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem G05 G5
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE Mayor James K.Scholl,District 3
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Lincoln,District 2
Craig Cates,District 1
David Rice,District 4
Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
February 19, 2025
Agenda Item Number: G5
2023-3548
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Land Authority Governing Board
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Cynthia Guerra
10:25 AM
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Monroe County Land Authority Executive Director Monthly Report
for February 2025 (through January 31, 2025).
ITEM BACKGROUND:
N/A
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
N/A
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval
DOCUMENTATION:
Monthly Report.pdf
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
2383
MEMORANDUM
Office of Monroe County Land Authority
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Cynthia Guerra, MPA, CFM
Acting Executive Director
DATE: February 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Monroe County Land Authority & County Monthly Acquisition/Disposition Report ending —
January 31, 2025*
*Certain programs may not be reporting as of this date because of the way their revenues are
collected
MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
The Monroe County Land Authority (MCLA) receives recurring revenue for property acquisitions from two
primary sources. Pursuant to section 380.0685, Florida Statutes, the Land Authority receives a park surcharge
on admission and overnight occupancy at state parks within the unincorporated area of Monroe County and
pursuant to section 125.0108, Florida Statutes, and sections 23-178 and 23-179, Monroe County Code, the Land
Authority receives a 50% share of the 1% tourist impact tax charged on lodging in the Keys.
In addition to these recurring revenues, the Land Authority has received land acquisition grants from the State of
Florida and the US Army Corps of Engineers in the past.
Beginning in FY22, MCLA has successfully worked with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) to allow MCLA to pre-acquire lands within Florida Forever and then resell the parcels to the State of
Florida. The chart demonstrates the "revenue" MCLA is receiving as FDEP purchases the land from MCLA.
The goal is for MCLA to sell $5 Million of land per year to FDEP, based on the Stewardship Bill. This is
explained in more detail in the report.
The following chart demonstrates the previous 11 years of park surcharge and tourist impact tax revenue for the
MCLA with the addition of the FDEP resales.
1 of 15 2384
Monroe County L�a....n,d Authority Ifi..evenue'.-11 Years of Historic Datt,a....
Y— Kq W-TIMP Florida Kk:TIMP Salk:to CEP
2014 $2,166,t65 $1.650.640 $0
2015 $2,$56,704 $1.300.434 $0
2016 $2,562,858 $2.016.206 $0
2017 $2,bc(2,674 $2.081.333 $0
2018 $2,41a,487 $1.681.863 $0
2013 $2,650,m $2.230.431 $0
2020 $1,s53,06s $2.078.834 $0
2021 $3,2'/&,73'3 $3.M1.030 $0
2022 $4,142,366 $4.433.321 $676.336
2023 $3,SL;,613 $4,107,546 $3.121,882
2024 $3,617 7% $4.065.080 $2.341.636
2025 Yid $511'sal $416.553 $751.384
FISCAL IT AR 2025'.
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Monroe County Land Authority Expenditures-11 Years Historic Data
20L4 20L5 20L6 20L7 20L8 20L9 2020 202L 2022 2023 2024 2025
Key West $0 $0 $L2,2L4,380 $6.82,876 $0 $0 $2,G➢GO,G➢GO $0 $4,507,9L6 $0 $0 $0
PIIs2u°iida IKeys $2,436,448 $L,8L4,447 $2,500,629 $2,498,075 $2,303,748 $2,624,203 $2,764,6L6 $637,L73 $5,550,47L $6,240,78L $5,797,427 $2,447,2L3
$0 $0 $0 $2,0GO $0 $539,370 $0 $L75,304 $0 $0 $L23,525 $L23,598
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$6 000,000
�9I $4797,427
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2 of 15 2385
The MCLA manages or partners in a variety of land acquisition and management programs. This report
includes fiscal year-to-date progress for Land Authority activities which may include the following programs:
• MCLA Acquisitions/Dispositions
o City of Marathon
o Village of Islamorada
• Density Reduction Acquisition Program
• Less Than Fee Acquisition Program
• Administrative Relief Program
• Code Compliance Foreclosure Properties Reuse
• Affordable Housing
• Tourism-Based Sector Employee Housing Program
• Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Voluntary Home Buyout
Program
• Florida Forever Program
• Density Reduction Resale Program
• Conservation Land Stewardship Program
MCLA Acquisitions /Dispositions Contact: Mark Rosch 305-295-5180
The following table summarizes all acquisition projects where MCLA has acquired or assisted in the acquisition
of real property interests since MCLA's first acquisition in Fiscal Year 1988 through Fiscal Year 2024.
All Projects By Type
F Y 1988 _ FY 2024
ILA
Project Typ Transactions Parcels Acres Units Expenditures
Conservation 1,759 4„751 4,113 0 $61,002,468
Density Reduction_ F S 25 28 5 0 0
Density Redaction- LTF 83 104 14 0 ; 0
Density Reduction_VHBP 21 23 17 0 $0
Affordable Housing 83 176 113 1,330 $60,463,271
Recreation 30 156 125 0 $7„275s597
Solid Waste 1 4 74 0 $2„212„500
Total 2„002 5„242 4„461 1„330 $130,954,935
The following budget outlook table demonstrates land the MCLA is currently working on acquiring or selling
January 1, 2025, through January 31, 2025:
3 of 15 2386
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2387
MCLA Acquisitions —City of Marathon Contact: Cynthia Guerra 305-295-5180
The City of Marathon adopted Resolution 2016-48 requesting the purchase of 432 parcels as conservation land.
Most of these parcels are inside the Florida Forever project boundary. The City has agreed to manage any of the
parcels MCLA acquires that are not ultimately conveyed to the State of Florida. To assist in the acquisition
process, the City has provided habitat, density, and Transfer of Development Rights information for the 432
parcels. On December 12, 2023,the Marathon City Council approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City
and MCLA to allow the City to contribute funds toward MCLA purchases if the price is above appraised value
or to allow the City to fully fund the purchase if the City is acquiring the property and MCLA's staff is acting as
the City's agent. The MCLA Governing Board approved the agreement on December 13,2023. In FY 24,MCLA
purchased 6 parcels of conservation land in Marathon. Of these acquisitions, 5 parcels are inside Florida Forever,
of which 3 have been resold to the State and 2 are in process of being resold to the State. The remaining parcel
outside Florida Forever has been conveyed to the City for management. To date for FY 25, no parcels have been
acquired in the City of Marathon.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
MCLA Acquisitions —Village of Islamorada Contact: Cynthia Guerra 305-295-5180
The Village of Islamorada passed Resolution 23-02-11 which requested the purchase of 68 parcels within the
Village of Islamorada, wholly within the Florida Forever list. Islamorada has agreed to maintain any purchase
made by the MCLA within the Village of Islamorada if MCLA purchases them and the State of Florida does not
purchase them after they are pre-acquired. The resolution also provides acreage, assessed values, zoning,
development rights, and habitat information useful to appraisers. Islamorada also passed Resolution 23-07-59
adding additional land to their acquisition priorities. On December 12, 2023, Islamorada Council reviewed a
proposed Interlocal Agreement between Islamorada and MCLA to allow them to fund purchases over and above
appraised value or outright purchases, with Land Authority staff acting as agents. The MCLA Governing Board
approved the agreement on December 13, 2023. Land Authority staff worked on several purchases with
Islamorada in FY24, but there were no acquisitions. To date, no parcels have been acquired in the Village of
Islamorada in FY25.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Density Reduction Acquisition Program Contact: Paunece Scull 305-295-5180
The Density Reduction Program goal is to purchase lands that do not consist of significant habitat for the purpose
of retiring the associated density (Transferable Development Rights or TDRs).
Since 2016 through the end of FY 24,the BOCC purchased 27 density reduction properties at a cost of$2,032,724.
FY 25 Progress: As of January 31, 2025, the BOCC has purchased 2 density reduction properties at a cost of
$812,045. Additionally, the BOCC has received 1 density reduction property as a transfer from the Land
Authority.
5 of 15 2388
Less Than Fee Acquisition Program Contact: Paunece Scull 305-295-5180
The Less than Fee Program's goal is to purchase Development Rights from owners of lots zoned IS, IS-M and
URM adjacent to the seller's primary residence. Property owners can continue to use the land for accessory,non-
habitable space structures permitted by county land use regulations, such as a pool, open yard, or garage.
Since 2018 through January 31, 2025, the County acquired 104 Less than Fee Development Rights from 104 lots
and spent a total of$5,438,631.
Fiscal Year Number of Lots
2019 40
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2022 3
2023 5
2024 21
2025 0
FY 2025 Progress: As of January 31, 2025, there have been:
• 0 contracts signed by Sellers,
• 0 contracts approved by the Board, and
• 0 contracts closed.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
ROGO Administrative Relief Program Contact: Mark Rosch 305-295-5180
Monroe County has a ROGO administrative relief program. Applicants who have been unsuccessful in obtaining
a ROGO allocation after competing in the ROGO system for four years may apply to the County for administrative
relief. Prior to processing an Administrative Relief purchase, County staff ask MCLA staff whether the site is a
priority purchase. If MCLA responds affirmatively, then County staff request the BOCC to review the
administrative relief application and if the BOCC determines the appropriate form of administrative relief is a
purchase offer, MCLA offers to purchase the property. Acquisitions of this type are funded from the ROGO
Reserve Fund in the MCLA budget. Applicants who decline MCLA's purchase offer may remain in the ROGO
system and continue to compete for an allocation.
In FY 24 the BOCC referred a total of 5 properties (with requests for 6 allocations)to MCLA for purchase offers.
Of this total, 2 properties were purchased by MCLA, 2 properties are currently under contract for purchase, and
1 applicant(1 property with a request for 2 allocations) declined MCLA's purchase offer. In FY 25 to date the
BOCC has not referred any ROGO administrative relief properties to MCLA for purchase.
6 of 15 2389
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Code Compliance Foreclosure Properties Reuse Contact: Cynthia Guerra 305-295-5180
The Monroe County Code Compliance Department forecloses on long-term code liens through a process
designated by the County Commission. After foreclosure, the land may be suitable for multiple uses within
County Departments or may also be useful for conservation purposes or density reduction.It could also be eligible
for the resale program. Because the Land Authority manages several of these programs on behalf of the County,
the County Commission agreed through interlocal agreement to have the Land Authority coordinate the review
and use of these sites.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Affordable Housing Contact: Cynthia Guerra 305-295-5180
Key West
Peary Court — MCLA assisted in this project by providing $12.5 million to maintain affordable housing. In
2022, KWHA provided a report indicating that some of the units did not meet the MCLA affordability criteria.
In other words, the family income exceeds the maximum allowed income. MCLA staff, working with legal
counsel, wrote a memorandum to Key West staff explaining non-compliance issue and correspondingly wrote a
letter to the owner notifying him of the 4 non-compliant units and explaining that the leases of those 4 units should
not be renewed unless the families occupying the units meet the income requirements found in the Statues.
MCLA staff met with Peary Court owners and their attorney, and they proposed a revision to the deed restriction
that would allow them to use three new code provisions the City of Key West adopted into their most recent Land
Development Code, since the original deed restrictions were put in place in 2016. MCLA staff requested the
property owners seek a resolution of support from the City of Key West Commission related to this request,prior
to it being brought to the MCLA Governing Board. Key West staff have indicated they expect this to be reviewed
by the Key West Commission, but it hasn't happened to date.
In summary, generally, the proposed changes allow:
• Income to be qualified by counting individual income (in the case of roommates), with a caveat that the
grand total of all income must still be below the Land Authority maximum income of 160% of area
median.
• Units to be rented to Monroe County residents (either already as residents or those moving into the County
for work) as evidenced by driver's license, voter registration, and an employer verification as opposed to
proving 70% of income is earned through employment within Monroe County
• Units to be rented to income qualified workers within Monroe but allow them to remain tenants if they
retire or become disabled.
On December 4, 2023, Key House Housing Authority issued a memo that Peary Court is in compliance with the
2016 deed restrictions.
KWHA Poinciana Plaza 45-54 units — The Key West Housing Authority (KWHA) is developing between 45
and 54 new units at Poinciana Plaza in the City of Key West. The number of units depends on variances for
setbacks or other required approvals. The City of Key West requested $10,000,000 through Resolution 24-137
of construction funding from the Land Authority Key West fund.
MCLA will disburse $2,000,000 when KWHA receives and provides to the MCLA a written loan commitment
from a lender for the entire project cost and a proforma showing the entire project cost, certified by a licensed
design engineer or architect. MCLA will disburse the remaining $8,000,000 when KWHA provides MCLA with
written confirmation from the City of Key West indicating permits are ready for issuance for between 45 and 54
7 of 15 2390
new units. Upon acceptance of$2,000,000, the KWHA shall sign and record a Land Use Restriction Agreement
(LURA) restricting use of the subject property to affordable housing in accordance with section 380.0666(3)(a),
Florida Statutes in perpetuity.
The City Commission's request for $10,000,000 is within the MCLA FY25 budgeted amount. The Advisory
Committee voted to recommend approval in September and the Governing Board approved Resolution 01-2025
authorizing the funding on October 16, 2024.
KW Continuum of Care Poinciana Plaza —The City of Key West through their Continuum of Care partner is
developing a 20-bedroom, affordable rental project with a common area and kitchen for every 4 bedrooms, at
Poinciana Plaza in the City of Key West. They requested $2,800,000 of funding from the Land Authority Key
West fund. The City of Key West adopted Resolution 24-137 requesting $2,800,000 for construction funding,
which will be disbursed to the City when the City provides written confirmation that permits for the 20 supportive
housing units, comprised of 20-bedroom development are ready for issuance.
Upon acceptance of funds, the City shall sign and record a Land Use Restriction Agreement (LURA) shown in
Exhibit A,restricting use of the subject property to affordable housing in accordance with section 380.0666(3)(a),
Florida Statutes in perpetuity. The City Commission's request for$2,800,000 is within the proposed MCLA FY26
Budget,pending funding availability. The Advisory Committee voted to recommend approval in September and
the Governing Board approved Resolution 02-2025 authorizing the funding on October 16, 2024.
KW The Lofts, Bahama Village
The City of Key West is developing 28 new units at The Lofts located at 318 Fort Street in Key West with Bahama
Village on Fort, LTD, consisting of 18 two-bedroom units and 10 three-bedroom units. Key West adopted
Resolutions requesting funding as follows:
Resolution 22-290: $4,028,250
Resolution 23-289: $ 900,000
Resolution 24-185: $1,242,207
$6,170,457
Each unit will be subsidized based on unit type and income level as follows:
INDIVIDUAL SUBSIDY AMOUNT PER UNIT TYPE
4 of Initial Subsidy Non-Subsidized Maximum
Units Purchase Investment/Unit Cost/Unit Income Level Purchase Bedroom Size Total Subsidy
Price/Unit Price/Unit
2 $80,578.00 $80,578.00 $161,156.00 Very-Low 60% 0.75 x AMI* 2-Bedroom $161,156
1 $89,484.00 $89,485.00 $178,969.00 Very-Low 60% 0.75 x AMI* 3-Bedroom $89,485
7 $161,156.00 $107,438.00 $268,594.00 Low 61%-80% 1.5 x AMI* 2-Bedroom $752,066
4 $178,969.00 $119,312.00 $298,281.00 Low 61%-80% 1.5 x AMI* 3-Bedroom $477,248
9 $376,031.00 $322,313.00 $698,344.00 Median/Middle 3.5 x AMI* 2-Bedroom $2,900,817
81%-140%
5 $417,594.00 $357,937.00 $775,531.00 Median/Middle 3.5 x AMI* 3-Bedroom $1,789,685
81%-140%
TOTAL $6,170,457
8 of 15 2391
Funds will be disbursed to the City of Key West upon recordation of the condominium documents. Units are
deed restricted in perpetuity at income limits less than 160%of Area Median Income. Key West may deed restrict
the units further,based on the income levels they wish to serve as shown above in the table. Subsidy amounts are
assumable by a future purchaser of a condominium unit, upon proof of income eligibility. The Advisory
Committee voted to recommend approval in September and the Governing Board approved Resolution 03-2025
authorizing the funding on October 16, 2024.
Monroe County
Scattered Sites/MC Employee Housing —MCLA presented a chart demonstrating MCLA and County owned
parcels for use in the Monroe County Employee Housing Program. BOCC funded $1 Million for construction in
FY23 to build 4 housing units. On 1/18/23, MCLA Governing Board approved conveyance of 4 lots on Big Pine
Key: (RE# 00300180-000100, 190 Sands Road; RE# 00300180-000200, 180 Sands Road; RE# 00300180-
001700, 170 Sands Road; and RE# 00300180-001800, 160 Sands Road) to the County and 1 ROGO exemption
from Suarez property to Monroe County for use in this program. County planning staff submitted a minor
conditional use application to transfer the market rate ROGO exemptions from their current location to the 4 lots
on Big Pine referenced above. This application was heard by the Development Review Committee on March 28,
2023. The ROGO exemptions were transferred to the Sands Road lots,the lots have been conveyed to the County
and are awaiting a plan for funding the residential development.
Habitat for Humanity(Cudjoe Shores 4 plex, Lower Keys)—MCLA provided a$400,000 loan to Habitat for
them to purchase a site to construct 4 affordable housing units. Habitat has selected families for the homes and
received Certificate of Occupancy 41145178 on November 20, 2024. Habitat conveyed the property to Monroe
County and has entered into a 99-year lease subject to a Land Use Restriction Agreement ensures compliance
with affordable housing requirements. With the transfer of the land to the County, execution of the lease, and
receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy, Habitat for Humanity has completed all the requirements to be released
from the mortgage. The Satisfaction of Mortgage was completed on November 4, 2023. Families were able to
enjoy the 2024 holiday season in their new homes. This project is completed.
Habitat for Humanity (Lower Keys) (Conch Republic 4 sites) —MCLA purchased 4 sites for $468,000 with 4
ROGO exemptions and conveyed them to the County. These sites were approved on the 12/13/23 BOCC agenda
to lease to Habitat. Habitat has purchased 4 modular homes. Site preparation for the modular homes has either
begun or will begin before June. Families have been selected for all of the sites, which include:
• Site 6: RE 4 00308490-000000; 31530 Avenue D, (corner of 5th Street and Avenue D); bay side of Big
Pine Key near MM 31; Block 22, Lot 11, Big Pine Cove (PB 3-131). Variance application was submitted
in September 2024.
• Site 7: RE 400300250-000000; 30936 Nathalie Street; bayside of Big Pine Key, MM 31; Block 3, Lot 5,
Sam-N-Joe Subdivision (PB 3-76). County building permit issued 12/9/24, DEO appeal date 2/22/25.
• Site 9: RE 400222830-000000; 28269 Julia Avenue; MM 28, bay side of Little Torch Key; Block 1, Lot
8, Amended Plat of Ladies Acre. County building permit issued 12/9/24.
• Site 10: RE 400222830-000100; 28249 Julia Avenue; MM 28, bay side of Little Torch Key; Block 1, Lot
9, Amended Plat of Ladies Acre. County building permit issued 10/21/24.
The following sites were also acquired by MCLA and then conveyed to BOCC for Habitat development. Site
preparation for the modular homes has begun or will begin before July. Families have been selected for all of
these sites, which were on the 12/13/23 BOCC agenda to lease to Habitat:
• RE# 00305070-000000, 31142 Avenue F, bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 13, Block
36, Sands Subd. (PB 1-65). County building permit issued 9/13/24.
9 of 15 2392
• RE# 00305850-000000, 31371 Avenue F, bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 7, Block 41,
Sands Subdivision (PB 1-65). County building permit issued 8/29/24.
• RE# 00305880-000000, 31372 Avenue G, bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 10, Block
41, Sands Subdivision (PB 1-65). County building permit issued 9/13/24.
• RE# 00307000-000000; 31250 Avenue I;bay side of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 9, Block 49,
Sands Subdivision (PB 1-65).
Additional sites have been acquired by MCLA are programmed for the conveyance and/or lease process in the
coming months, including:
• RE# 00300580-0000000, 252 Sands Rd, bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 18, Block 2,
Darios Subdivision (PB3-92)
• RE# 00111360-000500, 81 County Rd, bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, meets and bounds
in Section 26 Township 66 Range 29
• RE# 00302940-000000, 31373 Avenue C,bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 8, Block 24,
Sands Subdivision (PB1-65)
• RE# 00308540-000000, 31568 Ave D, bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 16, Block 22,
Big Pine Cove (PB 1-131)
• RE# 00308540-000100, 31562 Ave D, bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31, Lot 15, Block 22,
Big Pine Cove (PB 1-131)
• RE#00308540-000200, 31574 Ave D,bayside of Big Pine Key near mile marker 31,Lot 7, Block 22, Big
Pine Cove (PB 1-131)
• RE# 00300390-000000 and 00300390-000100, 30919 Edwards Rd A &B, bayside of Big Pine Key near
mile marker 31, Lot 9, Block 1, Sands Subdivision (PB3-92)
Habitat for Humanity (Middle Keys) requested MCLA purchase a duplex lot for future affordable housing
development. MCLA staff obtained a contract from seller Lam and the property purchase was on the April 17,
2024 agenda. The Marathon City Council approved Resolution 2024-45 approving a long-term lease between
the City and Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys for the development of 2 affordable housing units on the
property. The parcel was conveyed to Marathon, and the warranty deed and LURA were recorded on August 23,
2024.
Habitat for Humanity (Upper Keys) requested MCLA purchase 10 lots for future affordable housing
development. On February 21, 2024 the Governing Board approved two purchases which will create an
opportunity for Upper Keys Habitat to lease, then redevelop with 8 affordable housing units, after the MCLA
closes on these purchases. MCLA will convey sites to BOCC and then BOCC will lease to Habitat. Two more
properties have been identified and are in process.
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Tourism-Based Sector Employee Housing Program Contact: Cynthia Guerra 305-295-5180
Monroe County has successfully identified $35M of surplus Tourist and Development Council (TDC) funds that
can be used to purchase or develop housing units to provide affordable housing for employees of tourism-related
businesses. The law that allows these funds to be used for this purpose require a maximum income of 120% of
the area median income. The Interlocal Agreement between Monroe County and the Land Authority was
modified in November 2024 to allow the Land Authority to assist the County in the implementation of the program
if needed. It is anticipated that the Land Authority's primary role will be to assist in the acquisition of land and
residential structures.
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Community Development Block Grant/Disaster Recovery(CDBG-DR) Voluntary Home Buyout
Program Contact: Cynthia Guerra 305-295-5180
The Voluntary Home Buyout Program (VHBP) goal is to purchase property damaged by Hurricane Irma using a
$15 million grant from the State of Florida after Hurricane Irma, to eliminate future flood risk and assist
vulnerable populations in low-moderate income areas.
In total, 87 VHBP applications were received by staff and the County's consultants, Tetra Tech. Of the 87
applicants, 21 eligible applicants sold their parcels to the County through VHBP closings, and the remaining 66
either voluntarily withdrew or were deemed ineligible. The acquisitions expended just over $12.4 million of the
$15 million grant with the remaining moneys being used for surveys, appraisals, demolition, environmental
reviews, title reviews, closings and grant administration. In May 2024, a 1-year extension to the grant agreement
was executed between DEO (now Florida Commerce) and the County to assure there is time to complete the
demolitions and close out all necessary grant administrative requirements. The new grant agreement termination
date is June 3, 2025.
Twenty-one VHBP purchase contracts were approved by BOCC. All these transactions have closed, expending
a total of $12,438,105.31 for VHBP acquisitions. The 21 transactions have retired 22 development rights (21
market rate ROGO Exemptions and 1 Transferable Development Right). All of the market rate ROGO
Exemptions available from VHBP transactions are being moved to the Administrative Relief Pool for market rate
allocations.
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Florida Forever Program Contact: Mark Rosch 305-295-5180
The State of Florida has made substantial investments in the Florida Keys purchasing conservation land pursuant
to the Florida Forever Program. This program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP). The State has established three Florida Forever projects in the Keys:
• North Key Largo Hammocks
• Coupon Bight/Key Deer
• Florida Keys Ecosystem
As the end of ROGO approaches, the State's long-standing acquisition efforts are essential to reduce future
liability. DEP should aggressively pursue land acquisition in the Keys because over 3,500 privately-owned
vacant, undeveloped parcels lie within the Florida Forever project boundaries.
The Land Authority is assisting in this effort by serving as a local partner with DEP, pursuant to a memorandum
of agreement between DEP and the County. In this role,the Land Authority helps locate suitable properties with
willing sellers for DEP, obtains due diligence products for DEP, and pre-acquires conservation land for resale to
the State. Since July 1,2016,with the passage of the Florida Keys Stewardship Bill,DEP has spent approximately
$13,288,172 and retired 170.3 development rights as of January 31, 2025.
The goal is for DEP to spend $5 million annually on acquisition in the Florida Forever boundary.
The table below demonstrates the annual expenditures by DEP, since passage of the Florida Keys Stewardship
Bill through January 31, 2025:
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STATE FISCAL STATE PURCHASES STATE PURCHASES OF TOTAL STATE
YEAR FROM PRIVATE PRE-ACQUIRED LAND PURCHASES*
SELLERS* FROM MCLA*
2017 $0 $0 $0
2018 $709,246 $0 $709,246
2019 $2,037,381 $0 $2,037,381
2020 $1,177,841 $0 $1,177,841
2021 $695,492 $0 $695,492
2022 $89,732 $607,323 $697,055
2023 $210,828 $2,924,856 $3,135,684
2024 $0 $2,338,813 $2,338,813
2025 YTD $1,045,998 $1,450,662 $1,450,662
TOTAL $5,966,518 $7,321,654 $13,288,172
*Includes soft costs such as Appraisals,surveying,etc.
Since the goal of DEP spending $5 million annually under the Stewardship Bill has not been achieved by the
State making direct purchases from private sellers, Land Authority and DEP staff established a system during
2022 where MCLA pre-acquires land in Florida Forever projects for resale to the State. As of January 31, 2025,
this system has successfully resulted in the State purchasing $7,321,654 of pre-acquired property from MCLA
since July 1,2016 and$5,966,518 in direct purchases since July 1,2016 for a total of$13,288,172. The following
demonstrates the pre-acquisitions.
• MCLA/Radenhausen/Port Pine Heights 2nd Addition-Closed $ 46,123
• MCLA/Messera Selman/Cutthroat Harbor Estates -Closed $ 561,200
• MCLA/Carbonell/No Name Key -Closed $ 103,555
• MCLA/Epifano/Crains -Closed $ 38,686
• MCLA/Jattan/Sands -Closed $ 50,752
• MCLA/Koleda/Southern Pines, Kinercha, Sands - Closed $ 979,841
• MCLA/Vero Atlantic 2/Crains - Closed $ 215,891
• MCLA/Ackert- Closed $ 50,752
• MCLA/CarawanHacker-Closed $ 57,507
• MCLA/Coto -Closed $ 20,455
• MCLA/Adams -Closed $ 19,755
• MCLA/Wagner-Closed $ 40,697
• MCLA/Silva-Closed $ 76,747
• MCLA/PilafianHOPE-Closed $ 39,561
• MCLA/Morris -Closed $ 318,065
• MCLA/Alessandrini -Closed $ 129,681
• MCLA/McCullough-Closed $ 126,326
• MCLA/Garcia-Closed $ 97,172
• MCLA/Sea Air Holdings - Closed $ 19,755
• MCLA/DaCosta-Closed $ 233,122
• MCLA/Glidden-Closed $ 51,677
• MCLA/Klimeck-Closed $ 51,677
• MCLA/Knowles -Closed $ 79,322
• MCLA/Valle-Closed $ 20,505
• MCLA/Gerson-Closed $ 51,677
• MCLA/Barnes -Closed $ 51,677
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• MCLA/Pilafian KLP-Closed $ 99,539
• MCLA/Murphy-Closed $ 51,677
• MCLA/HFHLK Hilda-Closed $ 16,953
• MCLA/GiIC-Closed $ 85,866
• MCLA/Dalsin-Closed $ 173,038
• MCLA/Suarez - Closed $ 113,052
• MCLA/QuincosesRuiz - Closed $ 101,147
• MCLA/HFH Rocky Rd - Closed $ 200,697
• MCLA/Specht- Closed $ 60,925
• MCLA/HFH Cudjoe Acres - Closed $ 81,255
• MCLA/LopezRaymond- Closed $ 20,505
• MCLA/HFH Kings Row - Closed $ 38,820
• MCLA/GonzalezMY - Closed $ 68,973
• MCLA/McSwain - Closed $ 121,697
• MCLA/HFH Mad Bob Rd - Closed $ 105,485
• MCLA/Nall - Closed $ 50,602
• MCLA/Page - Closed $ 51,677
• MCLA/GilBessonValdivia- Closed $ 68,973
• MCLA/Little-Closed $ 67,162
• MCLA/Weiss - Closed $ 26,539
• MCLA/Albury-Closed $ 59,366
• MCLA/Pass -Closed $ 325,235
• MCLA/Ruiz Trust- Closed $ 56,705
• MCLA/Boyd-Closed $ 20,505
• MCLA/Nelson - Closed $ 203,887
• MCLA/Tailored Homes, LLC-Closed $ 56,705
• MCLA/Yingst-Closed $ 81,844
• MCLA/Weinstein-Closed $ 68,973
• MCLA/Espinosa-Closed $ 17,422
• MCLA/HFHLK/Biggar-Closed $ 345,588
• MCLA/Sakowski-Closed $ 142,041
• MCLA/Ansell Southern Pines -Closed $ 51,677
• MCLA/Easter-Closed $ 51,677
• MCLA/Ansell Crains -Closed $ 20,436
• MCLA/Atkinson-Closed $ 634,002
• MCLA/ShepherdHillHolt-Closed $ 16,497
• MCLA/Ronning -Closed $ 20,505
$ 7,321,654
The pre-acquisition system has been effective in increasing the pace of State closings. As of January 31, 2025,
MCLA has either purchased or has a contract to purchase the following properties that are "in the pipeline" for
ultimate resale to the State:
• Marshal lJostock/B ay Haven Section 3
• Rose/Crains
• Novacek/Summerland Estates Re-Sub No. 2
• CatesReynolds/Cudjoe Key Acreage
• SmithKevin/The Ladies Acre 1st Addition
• Borders/Pine Crest
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• Ramirez/Summerland Key Properties
• Marino/Summerland Key Properties
• Crawdaddy/B ahi a Mar Estates Lots 10 & 11)
• Tropical Isles, Inc./Long Beach Estates
• Bromley/Sands
• HFHLK Dorn Rd/Rainbow Beach
• Luong/Palm Villa
• Walker Estate/Big Torch Key
• Gonzalez/Thompsons
• Lorenz/Sands
• ShereManach/Ramrod Key Acreage
• Crawdaddy/Bahia Mar Estates (Lots 8 & 9)
• Rodriguez/Sugarloaf Key
• Quehl/Cudjoe Acres
• Roberts Estate/Kinercha
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Density Reduction Resale Program Contact: Paunece Scull 305-295-5180
The Monroe County Land Authority manages the County's density reduction efforts. When buildable lots are
acquired under the Density Reduction Program, they may be resold to homeowners of contiguous properties or
to Property Owner Associations, without the ability of the purchaser to ask for a Rate of Growth Ordinance
(ROGO) allocation to build a residential unit with all density stripped from the land.
The County Commission adopted an ordinance establishing a"Resale Program" on January 21, 2022.
Duck Key
To date, 12 parcels have been resold on Duck Key. They were originally acquired for$940,853 with development
rights. The County successfully resold them without development rights for$486,992, an average of$40,583 per
Transferrable Development Right(TDR).
Tropical Bay Estates
Following the ordinance, the BOCC adopted a resolution authorizing resale of 9 lots in Tropical Bay Estates
under this program. Of the 9 lots,staff only received bids on 2 lots. These lots were originally acquired for$95,051
with development rights. Both bids were approved by the BOCC on May 18, 2022, and closed in June and July
2022 for a total of$60,100, an average of$30,050 per Transferrable Development Right(TDR).
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Conservation Land Stewardship Program Contact: Beth Bergh 305-289-2511
The Monroe County Conservation Land Stewardship Program manages conservation properties owned by the
Monroe County Land Authority as well as those conservation properties owned by the Board of County
Commissioners (like lots dedicated to the County for conservation). Additionally, the program manages state-
owned conservation properties where the County is the designated land manager,via lease agreements. Currently,
the Land Stewardship staff manages approximately 3,954 County parcels (MCLA & BOCC combined) and 708
state-owned parcels.
Management activities on the conservation properties include invasive exotic plant removal, habitat restoration,
native planting projects, cleanup of solid waste, and hazard tree trimming.
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The following table shows updated land management statistics for the month of October 2024:
BOCC Acreage MCLA Acreage of # of State-
MONTH YEAR parcels of BOCC parcels MCLA owned parcels
Parcels Parcels managed
Managed Managed
October 2024 1,184 683 2,770 1,180 708
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