OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee County Commissioners will continue their discussion of proposed changes to the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan during their May 14 meeting. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. in the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse.

During the initial discussion about the comprehensive plan changes at their April 23 meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to take out the proposed “Special Technical Opportunity Center” portion in the county’s proposed comp plan. At their May 14 meeting, commissioners will consider other amendments to the plan.

The full meeting agenda is online at Meeting Portal - Okeechobee County, Florida

Summary of proposed amendments to the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan, scheduled for Board of County Commissioners Review on May 14, 2026:

• Plan Framework: Updated statutory references and planning horizons. Clarifies Data & Analysis vs. Goals, Objectives, Policies.
• Population & Growth: Updates to 2024 population (~40,230) and 2045 projections. Notes slower/flat growth since 2010.
• Development Pattern: Updates population distribution and land use stats (~89% ag/undeveloped).
• Future Land Use Direction Adds emphasis on mixed-use and economic diversification. Reinforces growth in southern urbanized area.
• Planning History: Condenses historical narrative; retains LPA role.
• Environment & Economy: Continues regional environmental coordination. Shifts focus from historic conditions to economic opportunity. Future Land Use Element (2026 Update)
• Objective L1 – Land Use Classifications: Overlays (Added): Introduces Economic Opportunity Centers Overlay and Structured Growth Overlay

Policy L1.6 – Public/Semi-Public: Amended: Clarifies allowable locations, standards, and flexibility across land use categories.

Policy L1.8 – Industrial: Amended: Updates development standards and performance criteria. Removes: Industrial Overlay Districts.

Policy L1.10 – Agriculture: Amended: Adds allowance for solar facilities.

Policy L1.15 – Economic Opportunity Centers Overlay (Added): Establishes framework for employment-focused mixed-use centers. Defines development options, density, and performance standards.

Policy L1.16 – Structured Growth Overlay (Added): Introduces Compact Community and Rural Community development options. Sets density, infrastructure, and open space requirements. Limits extent of overlay development. o Special Technology Opportunity Centers option has been eliminated.

• Objective L7 – Land Development Regulations

Policy L7.5 (Amended): Allows blending of densities/intensities within developments.

• Objective L11 – Military Compatibility (Added/Expanded): Introduces coordination, disclosure, and overlay requirements. Transportation Element (2026 Update)
• Objective T3 – System Coordination: Adds Heartland Regional Planning Organization and City of Okeechobee as coordinating agencies.

 Policy T3.2 (Amended): Updates roadway project references and includes all state and federal roadways in the County for cooperation for widening or otherwise improving (SR 70 E, SR 70 W, SR 710 E, SR 78 W, US Highway 98 N, US 441 N, US Highway 441 S, US Highway 441 SE); removes outdated projects.

 Policy T3.6 (Major Amendment): Updates LOS methodology to current FDOT standards. Revises backlogged segments list. Updates traffic volumes and conditions.

Policy T3.8 (Amended): Adds emphasis on new roadway network connections.

• Objective T4 – Development Coordination o Policy T4.4 (Added/Amended): Encourages new roadway connections to reduce congestion and improve reliability.
• Objective T5 – Multimodal System o Policy T5.2 (Amended): Updates to current transportation modeling tools/methods. Housing Element (2026 Update)
• Objective H2 – Affordable Housing Coordination o Policy H2.1 (Amended): Expands coordination with partners; adds role of Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and clarifies incentives/funding strategies.
• Objective H3 – Housing Standards & Code Enforcement o Policy H3.3 (Amended): Updates reference to Florida Building Code (replaces outdated language). Infrastructure & Utilities Element (2026 Update) (Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Potable Water, Stormwater, Aquifer Recharge)
• Objective S3 – Potable Water & Sewer o Policy S3.9 (Added/Amended): Requires septic-to-sewer connection in BMAP areas when available; adds nutrient-reducing septic standards.
• Objective S4 – Water Conservation
• Objective S4 (Amended): Updates conservation goal language (removes outdated target year). o Policy S4.2 (Amended): Updates to Florida-Friendly landscaping and conservation practices. Recreation & Open Space Element (2026 Update)
• Objective R1 – Level of Service & Standards
• Objective R1 (Amended):

Policy R1.2 (Amended): Clarifies ongoing maintenance of recreation land protection standards.

• Objective R3 (Amended): Clarifies access expectations for all population segments. Intergovernmental Coordination Element (2026 Update)
• Objective G1 – Coordination Procedures
• • Policy G1.1 (Amended): Clarifies/updates goal language. Capital Improvements Element (2026 Update) Objective F1 – Level of Service & Standards

Policy F1.5 (Amended): Updates to current FDOT LOS methodology (2023) and revised traffic data/backlogged segments.

• Objective F5 – Impact Fees & Cost Allocation

Policy F5.1 (Amended): Updates impact fee language; removes outdated timeline and clarifies proportional cost approach

Policy F5.2 (Added/Amended): Adds requirement for annual reporting of impact fees to the State Public School Facilities Element (2026 Update)

• Updated wording throughout for updated accuracy and clarification. Removed outdated timelines. Definitions Section (2026 Update)

New/Updated Terms:

• “Farm Operation” (Amended): Expanded to include agritourism activities and modern agricultural practices.
• “Solar Facility” (Added): Defines solar energy production consistent with state statute.