Putnam County, FL Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Putnam County Code Sec. 45-411 requires that impacts to habitat of endangered or threatened species be avoided first, and disturbance not allowed where development can otherwise proceed without impacting that habitat. The county may require a transfer of densities to prevent or minimize a development's habitat impacts, and developments that protect significant wildlife habitat and vegetative communities warranting protection become eligible for density bonuses under article VII of the code; habitat protection is also weighed when the county considers a setback variance that would move development away from the habitat.

Sec. 45-541 provides a second, open-space-based route: its stated purpose is to let developers earn density bonuses under the comprehensive plan's future land use element by setting aside land as open space. Sec. 45-542 sets the acceptable methods, a perpetual covenant with the Board of County Commissioners, a conservation easement under F.S. § 570.71 or § 704.06, or a fee-simple or lesser-rights transfer to a conservation program such as Florida Forever, and bars commercial activity, admission fees, mobile homes or buildings other than a limited clubhouse, and any use impairing the land's natural beauty, on the set-aside acreage. A covenant option requires an established homeowners association to take over maintenance responsibility once the land is conveyed.