Edgewater Imposes 2 Building Moratoriums Amid Flooding Concerns

The Edgewater City Council on Monday voted in favor of two development moratoriums in an effort to address flooding concerns within the city. The votes came in front of a crowded public chamber, with many residents urging the Council members to take action. One vote, which carried with a 3-1 majority,  halts annexations, rezonings, and changes to the comprehensive plan through January 5th, 2026, with an exception for commercial development. Proponents hope the moratorium will pause building long enough to address Edgewater’s flooding issues while also balancing the residential/commercial tax ratio. The other vote stops building permits within the Florida Shores Drainage Basin under most circumstances. The bar to clear for new development would be that it doesn’t further constrict the path for rainwater to absorb into the ground. This could come in the form of new pavement, concrete foundations, or other non-permeable surfaces. Data shows that Florida is leading the nation in new residential development, placing many local municipal governments at odds with their residents as they grapple with the effects. A variety of concerns have arisen in Edgewater and around the state, including flooding, infrastructure, conservation, and economic impacts.