What do you mean I can’t build on my land?

Why can’t I just build on my own land?

If you’re thinking about snagging a piece of empty land down in the Florida Keys with big dreams of putting up your own house one day, hold your horses and do some digging first. It’s not as simple as staking your claim and breaking ground. Nope, before you can start hammering away, you’ve got to jump through a few hoops and nab what the county folks call an “Allocation” or a “Building Right.”

But why the fuss over this “allocation,” you ask?

Well, the Florida Keys have this special status given by Florida itself – they’re labeled an “Area of Critical State Concern.” Basically, this means the state keeps a tight grip on how much brand-new stuff can pop up on these islands. And we’re talking strictly about fresh constructions on empty plots here.

So, what’s the big idea behind all this? The state’s got a simple goal: make sure everyone can hit the road and evacuate within 24 hours if a hurricane comes a-knockin’.

Now, why’s Florida got its nose in how the Keys grow? Couple of reasons. First off, they want to keep that natural beauty intact. Think environment, waterways, and all that jazz. But the real star of the show is people’s safety – that’s priority numero uno.

Back in ’74, Florida dished out a limited bunch of permits for the entire Florida Keys. And they didn’t just sprinkle ’em all over; each slice of the Keys got its own little pile of permits. You got the Upper Keys, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, plus Key West, all divvied up.

Rate Of Growth Ordinance

Since way back then, the counties and cities in the Florida Keys have been playing a points game when it comes to handing out these building rights. More points mean a quicker ticket to that construction party. They’ve got a fancy name for this points thing: ROGO, which stands for Rate Of Growth Ordinance. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you come across the term “BPAS” – that’s just another name for the same gig, meaning Building Permit Allocation System. It’s like ROGO’s cool cousin.

Oh, and a little tidbit: “allocation” and “building permit” are like best buds down here. Sometimes, you might have the golden allocation ticket (aka the right to build), but you’re still twiddling your thumbs waiting on the actual permit to come through from the city or county bigwigs.

Quick FYI, though – places like Layton and Key Colony Beach are the renegades of this whole ROGO game. They’ve got a pass on that front.

In a nutshell, if you’re eyeing a vacant piece of land in the sunny expanse of the Florida Keys with dreams of crafting your very own oasis, it’s crucial to get your facts straight before you start envisioning the palm trees and hammocks. The process isn’t as straightforward as it seems – you can’t just roll up and start building.

For more information about building a home in the Florida Keys, please reach our to us at – 310-384-5647.

Prumo & Carden

Amy’s success as a Florida Keys Elite Agent and Diamond Award Winner is truly awe-inspiring. With over 13 years of experience in the real estate industry, she has cemented her position as a trailblazer and pioneer. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in her impressive academic credentials, which include a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Management. Amy’s marketing programs are simply unmatched, ensuring that your property is showcased to the widest audience of potential buyers, thus guaranteeing maximum exposure.

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