South Florida's real estate market is seeing a surge in mixed-use developments, luxury purchases, and debates over affordable housing. Simon Property Group, one of the largest retail property owners in the country, has filed plans to replace the shuttered Sears site at the Town Center at Boca Raton with a hotel, multifamily units, and retail space. The 31.6-acre development proposal includes a 197-room hotel, a seven-story apartment building with 374 units, and eight retail buildings spanning 157,000 square feet.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Anderson, have purchased a double lot in West Palm Beach's Prospect Park neighborhood, where they plan to build an eight-bedroom home. The couple's new house will have plenty of space for entertaining and hosting political fundraisers.

The mixed-use development in Boca Raton is part of a larger trend in South Florida, where malls are being redeveloped into vibrant community hubs. Simon's project is expected to bring new life to the area, with its "main street" concept featuring a landscaped pedestrian walkway, parallel parking, and a variety of retail and dining options.

However, not everyone is pleased with the region's real estate developments. Miami officials have unanimously approved a measure to challenge Florida's Live Local Act, which offers tax breaks and zoning incentives to developers who build projects with below-market-rate housing. Critics argue that the law undermines city authority and harms local communities.

"The Live Local Act is a well-intentioned law, but it needs to be tweaked to ensure that it benefits both developers and local communities," said David Snow, Miami's Director of Planning. "We need to find a balance between encouraging affordable housing and protecting the character of our neighborhoods."

• $23 million: The amount Simon Property Group paid for the 18.6-acre former Sears site in Boca Raton
• $100.4 million: The refinancing amount for Gatsby Florida's DiVosta Towers in Palm Beach Gardens

• Who: Simon Property Group, Donald Trump Jr., and Bettina Anderson
• What: Mixed-use development in Boca Raton, luxury home purchase in West Palm Beach, and debate over the Live Local Act
• When: Simon's development proposal was filed in May, Trump Jr.'s home purchase was made recently
• Where: Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Miami
• Impact: The developments and debates are shaping the region's real estate landscape and sparking conversations about affordable housing and community character

The Live Local Act was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023, with the goal of increasing affordable housing in Florida. However, critics argue that the law gives too much power to developers and undermines local zoning regulations.

As the debate over the Live Local Act continues, South Florida's real estate market is expected to see more mixed-use developments and luxury purchases. The region's residents and officials will be watching closely to see how these developments impact the community and the affordable housing landscape.