KEY LARGO, Fla. — For the first time, commissioners in the Florida Keys used a surplus of tourist tax dollars to build affordable housing for tourism workers, thanks to a Florida law passed in 2024.
Monroe County purchased the Southcliff Estates housing project, located at 95295 Overseas Highway in Key Largo, in June using money from a $35 million pool of Tourist Development Council bed tax funds from the post-COVID tourism boom that happened up and down the island chain.
The initial rental rate gave some residents a dose of sticker shock. Commissioners have now amended the pricing.
The application process for the 12 one-bedroom, one-bath housing units opened earlier this month at a rate of $2,995 a month.
Workers and employers at popular resorts like Gilbert’s and dive outfits like Horizon Divers in Key Largo told Local 10 they were concerned not only about the rent, but whether they could even qualify. The minimum annual income requirement, based on state and federal guidelines, is $71,880.
“Who can afford that?” asked Steph Paige, a captain at Horizon Divers.
On Wednesday, at the scheduled Monroe County Commission meeting, officials reduced the rental pricing.
“I think this is a situation that calls for some adjustments,” said Commissioner Holly Raschein.
Commissioners agreed to amend the rate to thirty percent of an applicant’s income.
So with the same minimum annual income requirement, rent would now be $1,797 per month.
Keeping workers in the Keys is a challenge with the high cost of living and restrictions on building.
This spring, brush fires that shut down the only artery in and out of the island chain highlighted just how many workers in the Upper Keys don’t even live here.
“People make good money here. In season,” said Gilbert’s Resort owner Elina Weisberg. “But season is over and the bills are still rolling in.”
“I would love to live here again. Just can’t right now,” said server Amanda Aragon.
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