Florida Land Use & Zoning
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Land use and zoning questions on the Florida exam test both general zoning principles and Florida-specific land use controls. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) covers zoning classifications, variances, special use permits, nonconforming uses, and eminent domain. Florida's specific land use laws, including Florida environmental regulations and local zoning ordinances, are tested in the state portion. Candidates frequently confuse variances (permission to deviate from existing zoning) with rezoning (changing the zone itself) — a distinction the FL exam tests repeatedly.
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Florida Land Use & Zoning — Practice Questions & Answers
103 questions on Land Use & Zoning from the Florida real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 103.
Q1. In Florida, a property owner who wants to use their property in a way not currently permitted by zoning must typically apply for:
Explanation
To use property in a way not permitted under current zoning, an owner may apply for a variance (a minor deviation from specific requirements) or a rezoning (a change to the zoning classification itself). The process involves the local government's planning/zoning board.
Q2. A 'nonconforming use' in Florida zoning law refers to:
Explanation
A nonconforming use is a use that was legally established before the current zoning ordinance was enacted and is allowed to continue even though it no longer conforms to current zoning requirements. These uses typically cannot be expanded or rebuilt if destroyed.
Q3. Florida's Growth Management Act requires local governments to develop and maintain:
Explanation
Florida's Growth Management Act (Chapter 163 F.S.) requires all local governments to prepare, adopt, and maintain comprehensive plans that guide future growth, land use, public facilities, transportation, and housing. These plans must be consistent with state guidelines.
Q4. A developer in Florida needs approval to build a shopping center in a residential zone. The developer would typically seek:
Explanation
A commercial use (shopping center) in a residential zone would typically require rezoning the property from residential to commercial classification. A variance addresses dimensional requirements; rezoning changes the zoning classification itself.
Q5. Florida's 'Developments of Regional Impact' (DRI) review process applies to:
Explanation
The DRI process reviews large-scale developments (based on thresholds for type and size) that may have significant regional impacts affecting more than one county — such as large shopping centers, airports, or residential developments above certain thresholds.
Q6. In Florida, 'eminent domain' gives the government the power to:
Explanation
Eminent domain is the government's constitutional power to take private property for a public purpose, provided the owner receives just compensation. In Florida, this process is called condemnation and is governed by Chapter 73 F.S.
Q7. A Florida zoning ordinance requires all buildings to be set back 25 feet from the front property line. This requirement is called a:
Explanation
A setback is the minimum required distance between a building and a property line. Front, side, and rear setbacks are common zoning requirements. They ensure open space, access to light, and safety.
Q8. Which of the following best describes 'spot zoning' in Florida?
Explanation
Spot zoning is the rezoning of a small parcel of land to a classification inconsistent with surrounding property, often to benefit a single owner. Courts often void spot zoning decisions as they are inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and appear arbitrary.
Q9. Under Florida law, a 'covenant running with the land' (deed restriction) is binding on:
Explanation
A covenant running with the land (a deed restriction or restrictive covenant) is binding on all future owners of the property, not just the original parties. It 'runs with the land' and appears in the chain of title.
Q10. Florida's Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) are created to:
Explanation
Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) are created under Chapter 163 F.S. to address slum and blighted conditions. They use tax increment financing (TIF) — the additional tax revenues generated by increased property values within the CRA are reinvested into the area for improvements.
Q11. In Florida, a 'variance' from zoning requirements is granted when:
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