Related Group Revises Portofino Hollywood With 210-Unit Live Local Plan

• Related Group plans to convert its proposed Portofino Residences Hollywood project into a Live Local development at 1301 S. Ocean Drive.
• The revised plan includes 210 residences, consisting of 126 luxury condos and 84 workforce housing apartments.
• The project would rise on city-owned beachfront land currently occupied by Harry Berry Park and the Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center.

What the Revised Live Local Plan Includes

The proposed Portofino Residences Hollywood development is moving forward with a new strategy that could significantly alter its approval process. Related Group intends to convert the project into a Live Local development, allowing it to incorporate workforce housing while benefiting from provisions under Florida's affordable housing legislation. The project is planned for 1301 S. Ocean Drive in Hollywood on publicly owned beachfront property. Under the latest proposal, the tower would include 210 residences, consisting of 126 luxury condominium units and 84 workforce housing apartments reserved for qualifying residents for at least 30 years. According to the development team, the workforce housing units would serve residents earning between 80% and 120% of Broward County's area median income.

What the Development Site Looks Like Today

The site currently houses Harry Berry Park and the Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center. The parcel was deeded to the City of Hollywood more than five decades ago and remains one of the most debated development sites along the beachfront. As part of the existing agreement with the city, Related Group has committed to constructing a new community center and park improvements while operating under a 99-year ground lease arrangement. The development team says the project would generate more than $1.3 billion in economic benefits over the life of the lease through a combination of lease payments, revenue sharing, and condominium sales.

What Changes Could Be Made to the Tower

The project has undergone several revisions since it was first approved by city officials. Earlier concepts envisioned a 365-foot tower with up to 300 condominium units. More recent plans reduced the building to approximately 327 feet with 27 stories and 111 condominium residences. The introduction of workforce housing could increase the building's size again. While final plans have not been released, the development team has indicated the tower will remain below the previously approved maximum height of 365 feet and is not expected to exceed 30 stories. The developer hopes to begin construction later this year if approvals proceed as planned.

What the Live Local Designation Means

The project's shift to Florida's Live Local framework could significantly limit opportunities for public opposition and outside governmental review. Under the legislation, qualifying workforce housing developments receive streamlined approval processes that are generally administered by city staff rather than requiring extensive public hearings. Supporters argue the approach helps accelerate housing production and ensures long-term affordability commitments. Hollywood officials backing the proposal say the addition of workforce housing strengthens the public benefit component of the project while helping address housing shortages for teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and other essential workers.

What Opposition to the Project Remains

Despite the revised proposal, opposition remains strong among some residents and community groups. Critics continue to argue that a private high-rise should not be constructed on public beachfront land and believe the property should remain dedicated to public recreational uses. Others have raised concerns about hurricane vulnerability, storm surge risks, and the long-term loss of public access to a valuable waterfront parcel. The debate has made the project one of the most closely watched development proposals in Hollywood over the past several years, with city commissioners expected to continue discussions as the Live Local application moves forward.