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Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW Miami) welcomed a sold-out audience on June 18, 2025, at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden for “Unlocking Potential: Mastering Florida’s Live Local Act.” The timely Lunch & Learn featured a panel of industry leaders who explored how recent legislation, particularly SB1730 (effective July 1 per flsenate.gov), is shaping zoning, permitting, tax incentives, and housing development across South Florida.
Panelists included professionals from development, legal, investment, and land use sectors, with insights moderated by Shannon Wilson, Associate Director at Berkadia and Programs Director, 2025 CREW Miami Board.
The featured speakers were: Representative Vicki L. Lopez (Florida House District 113), Gus Cabrera (Principal, Evergreen Venture Group), Lissette Calderon, Founder and CEO, Neology Group; and Maritza Haro Salgado (Partner, Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes).
Key Themes Discussed
Zoning Preemptions and Development Consistency:
The panel explored how Live Local’s zoning preemptions are streamlining entitlements and reducing local-level inconsistencies, particularly in counties like Miami-Dade with more than 30 municipalities. These measures are creating new development opportunities on outdated commercial parcels and unlocking density where it previously wasn’t feasible. Attendees learned how consistency in land use rules is enabling developers to move projects forward more confidently and attract private credit investment.
Housing the “Missing Middle”:
The discussion repeatedly returned to the urgency of delivering attainable housing for those who fall between affordable and luxury segments, namely teachers, healthcare professionals, and young college graduates. The panel highlighted how Live Local is helping to close this gap through incentives that make workforce housing viable in urban neighborhoods.
Financing and Tax Exemptions:
The updated law provides greater clarity around tax exemptions for workforce housing developments, helping developers model deals with more certainty. However, differences in how counties interpret the exemption requirements remain a challenge. Attendees heard how some property appraisers are advancing quickly while others are still grappling with implementation timelines and verification processes.
Permitting Delays and Administrative Approvals:
Despite administrative approvals being a hallmark of Live Local, panelists noted that lengthy permit cycles remain a major bottleneck. Delays often stem from outdated systems, unclear feedback processes, and variation in how municipal staff interpret the law. The consensus was that time, not just money, remains a critical obstacle to housing delivery.
Parking Requirements and Transit Connectivity:
SB1730 included modest revisions to parking ratios near transit, but many jurisdictions still apply outdated standards that limit walkability. Participants discussed how aligning housing policy with transportation infrastructure is essential to creating livable, future-focused communities.
Educational and Legislative Advocacy:
The panel underscored the importance of educating stakeholders (elected officials, lenders, developers, and the public) about the intent and real-world applications of Live Local. Misconceptions persist, particularly in communities resisting density, and media coverage has sometimes framed the law as more controversial than it is in practice.
Shannon Wilson closed the session by emphasizing, “This is landmark legislation, and like any policy rollout, we’re learning in real time. With each amendment, the process improves, but it’s essential that we collaborate, document delays, and advocate for what’s next.”
“Our goal with programs like this is to ensure that CREW Miami members and the broader real estate community, have access to accurate information, strong networks, and actionable insights,” remarked Josie Legido Correa, Director of Business Development at JWR Construction Services and 2025 President of CREW Miami. “We look forward to continuing this momentum through our upcoming Fireside Chat and signature Golf Tournament.”
Up Next from CREW Miami
End of Summer Social with CREW Miami, CCIM, & BOMA Miami Dade
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
American Social Miami, 690 SW 1st Ct, Miami, FL 33130
Join CREW Miami, CCIM Miami District, and BOMA Miami Dade for a summer wrap-up networking social at American Social. Connect with industry peers over drinks and light bites in a casual setting designed to foster new relationships across commercial real estate sectors. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Breaking Barriers: Ramola Motwani’s Journey in Real Estate Innovation
Friday, September 5, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
Join CREW Miami for a fireside chat with Ramola Motwani, Chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures and a 2024 Forbes “50 over 50” honoree. Learn how she helped shape South Florida’s skyline through strategic development and community engagement. Her leadership in redefining hospitality and commitment to education through The Motwani Academy at Broward College align with CREW’s mission to advance women in commercial real estate. Read more about Ramola Motwani.
6th Annual CREW Miami Golf Tournament
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Miami Shores Country Club
Enjoy a full day of golf, networking, and connection, all in support of CREW Miami’s Scholarship Fund for women pursuing degrees in commercial real estate. Early bird registration is open through August 15. Inquire about sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
About CREW Miami
CREW Miami is dedicated to advancing women in the commercial real estate industry (CRE). We are committed to bringing more women into commercial real estate by offering programs like CREW Careers and UCREW that educates young women about the career opportunities in the industry; supporting CRE higher education and training through college scholarships and internships; and providing mentoring to those new or looking for change within the industry. Additionally, CREW Miami hosts monthly forums for professionals actively involved in the commercial real estate industry. These events encourage professional interaction and networking while providing a support network for commercial real estate professionals. CREW Miami is part of a global organization of 14,000+ members & 80+ chapters & affiliates providing our members global access to professionals in our industry.
For more information, visit CREWMiami.org and follow @CREWMiami.
ABOUT US:
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This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com
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