In today’s world of remote work and shopping online, repurposing existing real estate has become a common occurrence. All across Florida, vacant structures are being reused to meet the new demands. But what does the law have to say when it comes to turning large vacant real estate into senior housing?

Repurposing large vacant real estate, such as a mall, may be a smart cost-saving idea, as these structures have existing parking spaces, which can be repurposed for community-based services with care facilities, housing, shopping, and walkable spaces. However, when it comes to the infrastructure of a mall, there are many items of concern, especially when repurposing for health care use. 

Most notably to the eye, malls provide little natural lighting. Most retail spaces have a solid external wall. Therefore, with limited windows and natural lighting, senior housing providers would want to renovate to add windows along the structure. Other notes of infrastructure, such as plumbing and ventilation, may need to be brought up to code to comply with the regulatory requirements. Additionally, zoning and regulatory requirements for these systems would need to go through the proper channels of due diligence.

Still, as more and more real estate goes vacant, areas of law must expand to meet the ever-growing challenges and demands of repurposing real estate. 

Alvarez & Diaz-Silveira LLP is a corporate law firm in Miami, focusing on international and domestic M&A, finance, real estate and corporate immigration.