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HB 1559

Coconut Grove Playhouse, Miami-Dade County

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Fabián Basabe

Transfers the Coconut Grove Playhouse to Bay Harbor Islands for historic preservation and public use, with state oversight and required preservation covenants.

Died in Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
#publiclandsandproperty
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Bill Summary · HB 1559

Overview

HB 1559 (2026, Florida) directs the transfer of the Coconut Grove Playhouse property from Miami-Dade County to the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, with the goal of ensuring historic preservation, public use, and cultural benefit. The bill establishes intent, duties for the receiving municipality, and a July 1, 2026 effective/transfer date.

Main purpose and intent

  • Protect and preserve the Coconut Grove Playhouse as a historic and cultural landmark.
  • Reassign stewardship from Miami-Dade County to the Town of Bay Harbor Islands to ensure accountability and adherence to public trust and preservation covenants.
  • Require the receiving municipality to consult with state agencies and to prioritize preservation and compliance with existing covenants and state directives.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 (Intent)

    • Articulates two main goals: 1) Preserve the historic and cultural value of the Playhouse. 2) Enforce accountability by transferring the property interest away from Miami-Dade County to a municipality (Bay Harbor Islands) capable of honoring public trust and preservation covenants.

  • Section 2 (Transfer and duties)

    • Subsection (1): On July 1, 2026, the County must transfer the existing property interest in the Coconut Grove Playhouse to the Town of Bay Harbor Islands for historic preservation, public use, and cultural benefit.
    • Subsection (2)(a): After transfer, the Town must consult with:
    • City of Miami
    • Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
    • Division of Historical Resources (Florida Department of State) on feasible and prudent alternatives to demolition or alteration, and on every planned renovation to protect historic and cultural value (per s. 267.061(2)(b), Florida Statutes).
    • Subsection (2)(b): The Town must use public funds and other funds reserved for the playhouse to: 1) Comply with DEP directives, including:
      • Preservation actions as a condition of state ownership/oversight
      • Preserving the historic façade, roofline, and architectural integrity
      • Fulfilling obligations under original state deed covenants 2) Fulfill its contract and fiduciary duties, including complying with all restrictive covenants requiring preservation and building stabilization for historic, cultural, and public use.

  • Section 3

    • Takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Who or what is affected

  • Miami-Dade County: Required to transfer the property interest on the specified date and cease stewardship.
  • Town of Bay Harbor Islands: Becomes the new steward and owner for purposes of historic preservation, public use, and cultural benefit; responsible for compliance with preservation covenants and state directives.
  • Other entities involved in consultation and oversight:
    • City of Miami
    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection
    • Division of Historical Resources (Florida Department of State)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Transfer timeline: The transfer is mandated to occur on July 1, 2026.
  • Post-transfer obligations: The Town of Bay Harbor Islands must consult with state and local agencies regarding preservation alternatives and renovation plans, and must allocate funds to comply with preservation directives and covenants.
  • Legislative history: Died in the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (2026 session) after previously being referred to multiple committees.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Historic preservation: Sets a formal path to ensure the Playhouse is preserved and protected from demolition or inappropriate alterations.
  • Public accountability: Shifts stewardship from a large county entity to a municipality deemed capable of upholding public trust and covenants.
  • Financial commitments: Requires use of public and reserved funds to meet preservation and stabilization obligations and to follow DEP directives.
  • Collaboration: Requires ongoing coordination among county, municipal, and state agencies to evaluate feasible alternatives to demolition and to guide renovations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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