Real Estate Leaders Explore Transformation of Florida's Growth Management Laws

ORLANDO, Fla., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 250 real estate industry executives gathered today for an event hosted by Akerman Senterfitt and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to discuss changes to Florida's new Community Planning Act.  Recently, the Florida Legislature passed sweeping changes to the state's growth management laws that were signed into law by Florida Governor Rick Scott on June 2.  The changes significantly impact real estate development, especially in the areas of state oversight, concurrency management requirements and the overall development review process.  

"The new regulations substantially reshape the future of real estate development in Florida," said Cecelia Bonifay, Chair of the Akerman Green & Sustainable Development Practice.  "Much of the state oversight of development now resides at the local level.  In order to put shovels in the ground, the real estate development community needs to understand this new regulatory landscape."    

According to Jim Sellen, governance chair of the ULI Central Florida District Council, the changes allow for a more customized approach to development, depending on a community's needs.    

"The Community Planning Act provides an opportunity for local government to shape development in a way that's best for it, rather than conforming to a cook book approach mandated at the state level," said Sellen.  "One size doesn't fit all in diverse state like Florida."  

The event featured a keynote address from William "Billy" Buzzett, Secretary of Florida's Department of Community Affairs.  A panel of experts, moderated by Bonifay, discussed the revised regulations.  Panelists included Charles DeSanti, managing partner at Kitson & Partners Communities; Valerie Hubbard, director of planning services at Akerman; Phil Laurien, executive director of East Central Florida's Regional Planning Council and Kevin Tyjeski, chief planning manager for the City of Orlando.  

On Friday, similar events will be held in Miami and West Palm Beach. Spencer Crowley, a shareholder within the Akerman Real Estate Practice Group, will moderate the panel discussions.  Tom Beck, director of the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Division of Community Planning will offer a keynote address at both events.  Panelists include Valerie Hubbard, director of planning services at Akerman; Trish Blasi, president of Borghese Investments; Jack Osterholt, interim executive director of the South Florida Regional Planning Council; Francisco Garcia, director of planning at the City of Miami; and, Michael Busha, executive director of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council.  

The Akerman Real Estate Practice Group represents clients in complex real estate transactions, development and redevelopment projects, public-private initiatives, loan recovery, and litigation matters. Recognized nationally by PLC Which Lawyer?, the group offers substantial industry experience and prominent local presence, advising corporations, developers, investors, and governmental entities, often in high profile matters.

About Akerman Senterfitt

Akerman is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the U.S. by The National Law Journal NLJ 250 (2011) in number of lawyers and is the leading Florida firm.  With 500 lawyers and government affairs professionals, Akerman serves clients throughout the United States and overseas from Florida, New York, Washington, D.C., California, Virginia, Colorado, Nevada and Texas.  More information can be found at www.akerman.com or www.twitter.com/akerman_llp.

Contact:
Joel Staley
Senior Manager, Media Relations and Communications, Akerman Senterfitt
(407) 242-9994
[email protected]

Pat Tucker
RF|Binder Partners, Inc.
(212) 994-7561
[email protected]

Jill Metzger
RF|Binder Partners, Inc
(212)-994-7542
[email protected]  

SOURCE Akerman Senterfitt