This Isn’t Over!

On December 19th, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved 3,550 new ROGOs—a decision with serious implications for the Keys. This move increases hurricane evacuation times from 24 to 26 hours and prioritizes development over public safety and sustainability. Over 2,000 of these allocations could be used for market-rate housing, far exceeding what is considered reasonable or safe.

Why This Matters

This decision:

* Ignores expert analysis and public input.

* Sacrifices environmentally sensitive lands to speculative development.

* Undermines taxpayer-funded data-driven planning.

The BOCC's approval disregards sustainability, relying on flawed assumptions that threaten the delicate balance of life in the Keys.

What’s Next?

The County’s legislative delegation will draft a bill for the state legislature when the session begins on March 4, 2025. Rep. Jim Mooney and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez stated they support limiting ROGOs to 500, but development interests will exert heavy lobbying pressure to increase this number.

What You Can Do to Help

This fight isn’t over! Here’s how you can take action today:

Reach out to Representative Jim Mooney and urge him to stand against overdevelopment in the Florida Keys. Read the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition’s letter to Rep. Mooney for more insights: Protect the Keys: A Call to Slow the Roll on New ROGOs. Sign Our Petition & Donate: Help fund data-driven, sustainable planning advocacy. Stay Informed: Visit FKRC.org for updates, and sign up for the Last Stand newsletter here. Share the Message: Spread the word to your friends and neighbors about why this matters.

Why We Must Act Now

The Florida Keys are a unique and fragile environment. Decisions like these have long-term consequences for public safety, environmental health, and the quality of life for residents. Together, we can ensure the Keys remain a sustainable paradise for future generations.

our keys, our future

To learn more about the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition and access valuable resources, including white papers and other key documents, please click here.