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Location Intelligence for Affordable & Accessible Housing: Navigating the Live Local Act

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Florida's real estate and housing development, the Florida Live Local Act stands as a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at addressing the state's affordable housing crisis. Introduced to cut through bureaucratic red tape and foster an environment conducive to housing development, the Act has been both lauded for its forward-thinking approach and scrutinized for the challenges it presents to communities and developers alike.

Initially celebrated for overriding stringent local zoning rules to promote housing development, the Live Local Act now faces amendments aimed at refining its scope. These amendments, while necessary to address community concerns and clarify developer obligations, introduce a new layer of complexity to an already intricate landscape. For developers and community planners, understanding these nuances is paramount to aligning projects with both the letter and spirit of the law.

Fortunately, location intelligence offers critical insight for navigating the complexities introduced by the Live Local Act. By harnessing the power of advanced mapping and analytics, MapDash™ offers a clear path forward for stakeholders seeking to maximize the benefits of the Act while mitigating potential pitfalls.

Location intelligence solutions for affordable & accessible housing

MapDash makes it easy to drill into local communities for understanding dynamic real estate market conditions and opportunities.

MapDash stands out as an indispensable resource for real estate developers and community planners focused on building affordable housing. Its ability to visualize and analyze geographic and regulatory data enables users to swiftly identify zones impacted by the Live Local Act and its amendments. This clarity is crucial for developers planning projects and for communities striving to understand how new developments might affect their neighborhoods.

MapDash’s unique advantage is its turnkey approach to location intelligence. Pre-configured with an authoritative data catalog of information related to properties, demographics, local amenities, and other essential inputs to real estate development, MapDash makes it easy for developers and community planners to visualize and analyze opportunities for growth. Simple-to-use geospatial analysis tools like drive and walk time generators further help development professionals assess the viability of an opportunity, while automated infographic reports share key findings with stakeholders and the general public in an engaging manner.

There are countless ways that MapDash streamlines analytics for developers looking to expand access to affordable housing, including navigating the complex regulations of Florida’s Live Local Act. Here are a few examples of how location intelligence can unlock new opportunities for growth while meeting community guidelines and requirements.

Empowering communities and developers

At the heart of the Live Local Act is the goal of making housing more accessible and affordable. This noble objective is sometimes lost amidst the legal and regulatory intricacies of real estate development. MapDash brings this objective back into focus by providing a platform that not only highlights areas ripe for development but also showcases how these developments can harmoniously integrate into existing communities.

MapDash is preconfigured with authoritative data layers providing critical insight into local housing affordability and accessibility.

For communities, MapDash can demystify the implications of new developments, offering a transparent view of proposed changes and their potential impacts. For developers, it serves as a strategic tool to plan projects that align with community needs and legislative requirements, thereby facilitating smoother project approval processes and fostering community support.

Aiding compliance and strategic planning

MapDash’s automated infographic reporting enables developers to streamline stakeholder communication with visual, data-driven insights.

The proposed amendments to the Live Local Act, such as restrictions on waterfront industrial developments and height limitations near single-family neighborhoods, underscore the need for precise planning and compliance. MapDash's detailed mapping capabilities enable developers to easily identify areas subject to specific restrictions, ensuring that project plans are compliant and strategically sound.

Moreover, MapDash can aid in identifying opportunities for affordable housing developments that meet the Act's criteria, such as the allocation of a certain percentage of units for affordable housing. This level of strategic planning is invaluable in a state where the demand for affordable housing far outnumbers supply.

MapDash: a catalyst for informed real estate development

As Florida continues to grapple with its housing challenges, location intelligence tools like MapDash become indispensable in bridging the gap between legislative intentions and on-the-ground realities. By providing clear, actionable insights into the geographic and regulatory landscape, MapDash empowers developers and communities to work together towards the common goal of creating more affordable and accessible housing.


In the dynamic interplay between development and regulation, clarity and understanding are key. MapDash offers both as a vital ally in the quest to realize the full potential of the Live Local Act for the benefit of all Floridians. To learn more about how MapDash can streamline your own real estate development workflows, get in touch with the Datastory team.