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Land Use Lowdown

Land Use Lowdown

by Greenspoon Marder LLP

Land Use Lowdown: "How Public Relations Plays a Role in Land Use Decisions"

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region. In this episode of The Land Use Lowdown, Greenspoon Marder Partner Liz Somerstein sits down with Matt Levinson, Chief Operating Officer of O’Connell Goldberg, a leading PR and public affairs firm representing developers and builders across Florida. Together, they unpack the often misunderstood but critically important role that public relations plays in navigating land use and entitlement processes. Matt shares insights from more than two decades of experience guiding developers through complex rezonings, land use changes, and politically sensitive projects. From why PR needs to begin before a single document is submitted under Florida’s broad Sunshine Law, to how early community engagement can prevent costly delays, this episode explores the strategies that shape the outcome of development proposals long before they reach a commission agenda. Whether you're a developer, attorney, planner, or anyone involved in Florida’s land use landscape, this conversation offers invaluable insight into how thoughtful, early-stage PR can influence outcomes, build trust, and keep projects on track. Tune in to learn how effective storytelling, community engagement, and coordinated messaging can make all the difference in land use decisions long before a project ever hits the headlines. ____________________________________ Featured Speaker Contact: Name: Liz Somerstein (Host) Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder Phone: (954)527-2459 Email: elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com Company Website: www.gmlaw.com Connect with and learn more about Liz at: Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/elizabeth-somerstein/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-somerstein-896187192/ Name: Matt Levinson Title & Company: O’Connell & Goldberg PR Phone: (954)593-7208 Email: mlevinson@oandgpr.com Company Website: www.oandgpr.com Connect with and learn more about Matt at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malevinsonpr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlevinson/ Additional information: https://oandgpr.com/our-clients/top-florida-real-estate-pr-firm/ ___________________________________ To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Land Use Lowdown 3: "Beyond the Live Local Act - Emerging Land Use Trends in South Florida"

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region. In this episode of The Land Use Lowdown, we dive into the emerging trends shaping today’s land development landscape across South Florida. Building on our earlier discussion of the Live Local Act, this episode explores new legislation, market trends, and the evolving forces driving how communities are planned and built. If you’re involved in planning, development, real estate, or local government in South Florida, this episode offers valuable insights into the forces reshaping the region. ____________________________________ Featured Speaker Contact: Dennis Mele, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2409, dennis.mele@gmlaw.com Matthew Scott, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)333-4372, matthew.scott@gmlaw.com Liz Somerstein, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2459, elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com ____________________________________ To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Land Use Lowdown: "Understanding the Live Local Act – What It Means for South Florida"

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region. In this episode of The Land Use Lowdown, the Greenspoon Marder land use team breaks down the transformative Live Local Act and what it means for development across South Florida. Dennis, Matt, and Liz unpack how the Act aims to accelerate affordable housing, the ways it redefines zoning, height, and density approvals, and how recent legislative updates—from SB 328 to SB 1730—are reshaping its implementation. They explore the impact on municipalities, developers, and local control, highlight the types of properties best positioned for Live Local opportunities, and discuss the real-world benefits and risks emerging from this sweeping preemption-driven law. Whether you're a planner, developer, or community stakeholder, this episode offers a clear, practical look at how Live Local is influencing South Florida’s growth and the future of affordable housing. ____________________________________ Featured Speaker Contact: Dennis Mele, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2409, dennis.mele@gmlaw.com Matthew Scott, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)333-4372, matthew.scott@gmlaw.com Liz Somerstein, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2459, elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com ____________________________________ To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Land Use Lowdown: “Land Use, Development & Construction with Elizabeth Somerstein, Greenspoon Marder and Jeff Helitzer, Grycon LLC”

In this episode of Land Use Lowdown, Greenspoon Marder Land Use Partner Elizabeth Somerstein sits down with Jeff Helitzer of Grycon LLC to discuss the intersection of land use, development, and construction in South Florida. Drawing on his experience delivering complex commercial and mixed-use projects, Jeff shares valuable insights into the construction process, project planning, permitting challenges, affordable housing development, resiliency considerations, and the realities of building in one of the nation’s fastest-growing markets. From entitlement approvals to shovels in the ground, Elizabeth and Jeff explore how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and local expertise can help developers navigate challenges, manage costs, and successfully bring projects to life across South Florida. ___________________________________ Featured Speaker Contact: Name: Elizabeth Somerstein (Host) Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder Phone: (954)527-2459 Email: elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com Company Website: www.gmlaw.com Connect with and learn more about Liz Somerstein at: Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/elizabeth-somerstein/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-somerstein-896187192/ _____________ Special Guest Contact: Name: Jeff Helitzer Title & Company: Project Manager, GRYCON Email: jhelitzer@grycon.net Company Website: https://grycon.net/ Connect with and learn more about Jeff Helitzer at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helitzer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-helitzer-92385368/ ___________________________________ To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Land Use Lowdown: "Infill Redevelopment Act - Signed into Law on May 21"

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region. In this episode of Land Use Lowdown, Greenspoon Marder attorneys Elizabeth Somerstein and Matthew Scott unpack the newly enacted Infill Redevelopment Act, signed into law on May 21, which is already generating significant interest across South Florida. The conversation explores how the Act fits within the broader trend of state-level preemption of local land use authority, particularly alongside the Live Local Act, while highlighting its more targeted approach. Elizabeth and Matthew walk through the statute’s key provisions and administrative approval framework. The episode also examines what property qualifies under the Act and where potential challenges may arise. Elizabeth and Matthew break down key considerations such as density caps, buffering rules, and unresolved questions around intensity standards, while also addressing practical realities developers will face, ranging from ongoing environmental obligations to anticipated community scrutiny despite streamlined approvals. Altogether, the discussion offers a clear, strategic look at how the Infill Redevelopment Act could reshape infill development opportunities across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. For questions or to connect further, we encourage you to reach out to our speakers today. ____________________________________ Featured Speaker Contact: Name: Elizabeth Somerstein Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder Phone: (954)527-2459 Email: elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com Connect with and learn more about Elizabeth Somerstein at: Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/elizabeth-somerstein/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-somerstein-896187192/ Name: Matthew Scott Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder Phone: (954)333-4372 Email: matthew.scott@gmlaw.com Connect with and learn more about Matthew Scott at: Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/matthew-h-scott/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-scott-a0312121 ____________________________________ To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Land Use Lowdown: “Development-Focused Legislative Update from This Year’s Florida Regular Session”

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region. In this episode of Land Use Lowdown, Greenspoon Marder Land Use attorney's Matthew Scott and Elizabeth Somerstein break down the key development-related outcomes from Florida’s 2026 Regular Legislative Session, which concluded Sine Die in mid‑March. While lawmakers will return for a special session to address the state budget, potential redistricting, and property tax proposals, this episode focuses on what did and did not pass during the regular session. The discussion opens with major community planning and local control issues, including continued controversy surrounding SB 180, the 2025 law limiting local land‑use regulations following hurricane declarations, ongoing litigation, and failed legislative attempts to narrow its scope. The hosts also highlight significant changes to development permitting and review standards under HB 399/SB 208, including new fee structures, more objective compatibility criteria, administrative approvals for certain large destination resorts, and limits on local restrictions for off‑site constructed housing. The episode then turns to housing and growth management, featuring a deep dive into HB 1389—Live Local 4.0—which further expands the state’s affordable housing preemptions, including new allowances on religious, government, and airport‑adjacent lands, limits on setbacks and height restrictions, and expanded exemptions. Matthew and Elizabeth also cover bills affecting agricultural enclaves, expedited development approvals, infill redevelopment in South Florida’s largest counties, and the failure of proposed ADU legislation amid short‑term rental concerns. Framed by a session marked by budget challenges and last‑minute amendments, this episode provides a clear, development‑focused recap of a complex legislative year and what to watch next. ____________________________________ Featured Speaker Contact: Name: Matthew Scott Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder Phone: (954)333-4372 Email: matthew.scott@gmlaw.com Connect with and learn more about Matthew Scott at: Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/matthew-h-scott/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-scott-a0312121 Name: Liz Somerstein Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder Phone: (954)527-2459 Email: elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com Connect with and learn more about Liz Somerstein at: Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/elizabeth-somerstein/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-somerstein-896187192/ ____________________________________ To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Land Use Lowdown 2: "Legal Challenges and Local Pushback – Navigating the Tension"

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region. In our previous episode of The Land Use Lowdown, our speakers explored the Live Local Act and its influence on affordable housing development throughout South Florida. In this episode, Dennis, Liz, and Matthew take a closer look at the initiatives local governments are pursuing to expand affordable housing within their communities outside of the Live Local Act. The episode also discusses pending litigation involving the Act, including questions surrounding state preemption and local authority over land‑use regulations. ____________________________________ Featured Speaker Contact: Dennis Mele, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2409, dennis.mele@gmlaw.com Matthew Scott, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)333-4372, matthew.scott@gmlaw.com Liz Somerstein, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2459, elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com ____________________________________ To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.