Bilzin Sumberg's New Miami Blog
Insights and Commentary on the Gateway City's Expanding Global Significance
Featuring writers from Bilzin Sumberg and guest commentators from Miami’s business community, New Miami provides insights and commentary on the gateway city’s expanding global significance. Focused on a variety of topics across practices and industries, the blog is a resource for business and legal professionals, investors, and media professionals interested in what is fueling Miami’s transformation.
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Proposed Bill Would Impact Economic Development Efforts within CRAs
The Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 authorizes counties and municipalities to create CRAs as a means for redeveloping slums and blighted areas in the community. The Florida Legislature is currently considering a proposed bill (HB 991/SB 1242), which would dramatically limit the impact and operation of CRAs. Local officials and developers with projects in CRAs should monitor the bill closely.
New Rules Regarding the Purchase of Florida Real Property by Certain Persons or Entities from China
On February 6, 2025, new rules go into effect for implementing Section 692.204, Florida Statutes—the law restricting the purchase of real property by certain persons or entities from China. The rules touch upon various aspects of potential acquisition of real property in Florida by such entities, and clarify important definitions for effectively implementing the law. It is imperative that all real estate companies operating in Florida become familiar with these new rules.
City of Miami Approves New Administrative Site Plan Review (ASPR) Process and Extends Life of Special Permits
The City of Miami has introduced a new Administrative Site Plan Review (ASPR) procedure to address projects that meet zoning requirements without requiring special permits.
EPA Bans Use of Two Chemicals Used in Automobile, Drycleaning, and Manufacturing Industries
On December 9, 2024, the EPA finalized rules under the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”) amendments to ban most uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) within one to three years, with limited exceptions for national security, critical infrastructure, and climate-related needs. These new regulations will significantly impact a number of industries and commercial activities. Companies should begin preparing now for the phase-out of TCE and the stringent controls on PCE to ensure compliance. Learn more about these requirements.
Part 2/2: Missing Middle Tax Exemption Updates for 2025
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation is preparing to begin processing applications for the Missing Middle Tax Exemption for the 2025 tax year. Some of the deadlines for processing exemption applications have changed. Read more here.
Condominium Law Continues to Evolve
On October 1st, a key deadline in Florida’s HB 1021, which contained legislative amendments to the Florida Condominium Act, will kick in. The deadline approaches alongside a recent and significant Miami-Dade Circuit Court order in a related long-running condo litigation. Learn more about these developments and how the legal landscape for condominium law continues to evolve.
Part 1/2: Live Local Tax Exemption Procedures Updated for 2025
Florida Housing Finance Corporation recently updated the procedures for the 2025 Multifamily Middle Market Certification, as established by the Live Local Act. This initiative is significant for property owners and investors in the multifamily housing sector, providing a structured pathway to tax exemptions that can enhance affordability and accessibility in housing. Learn more about the requirements and important deadlines for taking advantage of the tax exemptions for new workforce housing developments.