Jan 2026 update: Though we won in court in May 2024 and reversed the 2021 zoning approval of a 550 single family home gated development, GL Homes (the developer) has submitted a revised application for a 540 single family home gated development. See 2026 Site Plan for more information. Further litigation will be considered if needed after the BCC zoning hearing and vote.
May 2024 Litigation Status: WE WON ON APPEAL!! Our 3rd DCA win was upheld when the Florida Supreme Court denied the developer/county appeal! The Nov 2021 zoning approval for 550 homes on land designated as parks and rec, was REVERSED!!
| May 1, 2024 | CALUSA WIN STANDS!! The Florida Supreme Court denies the petition (appeal) from the owner/developer and Miami-Dade County. They also indicated that no motion for rehearing will be entertained by the Court. This upholds the Nov 16, 2022 decision in favor of Save Calusa. https://acis-api.flcourts.gov/courts/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/cms/case/d373fee9-babe-4504-9d0d-49367891ccc2/docketentrydocuments/b90c31e4-1538-40fc-bbeb-e46c84da4101 |
| Feb 1, 2023 | CALUSA WIN STANDS!! 3rd District Court of Appeals denies the request for rehearing (reconsideration), and issues the following clarified opinion (upholding the Nov 16, 2022 decision in favor of Save Calusa): https://law.justia.com/cases/florida/third-district-court-of-appeal/2023/3d22-1296.html |
| Dec 1, 2022 | The County and owner/developer filed a motion asking the 3rd DCA panel to reconsider its ruling and for the Florida Supreme Court to consider the impact of required notice as a question of great public importance. |
| Nov 16, 2022 | WE WON!! 3rd District Court of Appeals issues verdict in favor of Save Calusa! The 3rd District Court of Appeals (DCA) granted our petition (No. 3D22-1296)! Details here: https://www.3dca.flcourts.org/content/download/852826/opinion/221296_DC03_11162022_102251_i.pdf “Allowing the decision to stand threatens to compromise the due process the regulatory framework strives to afford. Accordingly, we grant the petition for certiorari and quash the order under review. Petition granted; order quashed.” |
| Dec 27, 2021 | Our non-profit Save Calusa Inc. filed litigation in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court asking to: 1. Quash (reverse) the zoning development approval granted November 17th, 2021 because it was done without proper hearing notice 2. Stay (hold) of any tree/building removal permits until required environmental studies can be completed. |