Create a Free Account

Create an account to get access to market analysis, demographic information, and insider tips in your area. Registration is free and we never sell your information

When you complete the free registration, you’ll be able to:

View market trends Learn about local trends including price changes, number of listings available, and average selling time.

Registration Form

  • A password will be emailed to you
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Miami Beach’s Strict LEED Requirements


May 2, 2016

How important is climate change to you?  Are you the type that likes to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible?  If you happen to be a Miami Beach resident, the city is looking to do just the same and will be penalizing future builders that don’t step up their efforts to become “greener”.  How so?  With a new ordinance that went into effect last month, builders planning on erecting any stricture that’s larger than 7,000 square feet must abide by new green building standards or they’ll be required to shell out for a five percent fee based on the structure’s cost of construction.

Had Miami Beach implemented the new ordinance about six years ago, the city could have generated roughly $60 million dollars that could have been used towards green initiatives, including installing electric vehicle charging stations or contamination clean up efforts.  Since these projects typically involve millions of dollars, the five percent fee is considerable.

Miami Beach’s ordinance is stricter and more ambitious than any other jurisdiction in all of South Florida.  These structures are required to have no less than a LEED gold certification if the builder wishes to avoid having to pay the five percent fee.

There is some debate that the ordinance could put the brakes on an already slow market, but there is no denying Miami Beach’s efforts to become environmentally conscious are ambitious and welcoming.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Portofino Tower.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Portofino Tower South Beach condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.