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A $1,500 monthly rental budget gets less space in Hollywood than it did a year ago.

Why it matters: Renters are getting less for their money.

State of play: A $1,500 budget now only gets you 603 square feet, down 22 from a year ago, per apartment platform RentCafe. 

RentCafe tells Axios that Hollywood's average monthly rent was $2,179 for an 876-square-foot apartment as of March. 

Zoom out: Among the 14 Florida cities included in the study, Miami offered the least space at 498 square feet, roughly the size of a one-car garage.

 $1,500 isn't enough to rent a studio apartment in Fort Lauderdale.

On the other end of the spectrum, $1,500 in Jacksonville can get you 982 square feet.

By the numbers: In 2026, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated the fair market rent for a one-bedroom in Broward County ranges from $1,730 to $2,850 a month, depending on ZIP code.

The bottom line: This shouldn't be entirely surprising given the post-pandemic migration to Florida.

But the recent surge of new construction could help soften rental prices.

Hollywood renters get less space for $1,500

Fort Lauderdale renters can't even rent a studio apartment for that monthly budget, according to RentCafe.

Illustration of a diamond key in a velvet jewelry box. 

A $1,500 monthly rental budget gets less space in Hollywood than it did a year ago.Why it matters: Renters are getting less for their money.State of play: A $1,500 budget now only gets you 603 square feet, down 22 from a year ago, per apartment platform <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RentCafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/rental-space-for-1500/" data-vars-content-id="2d199928-9a41-48c2-b514-bc5a695e0df5" data-vars-headline="Hollywood renters get less space for $1,500" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/rental-space-for-1500/" target="_blank">RentCafe</a>.

Real Estate

News

The developer of the controversial Portofino Hollywood project, better known as 1301, is meeting with residents to address what it says is widespread misinformation about the project.  

Why it matters: Related Group's project has divided Hollywood, with many residents afraid the redevelopment of city-owned beachfront land will change the barrier island's character and spur more high-rise development. 

Catch up quick: After zoning issues and resident criticism stalled the luxury condo for nearly five years, the Hollywood City Commission approved making 1301 a Live Local project under a 99-year lease.

This change enables the developer to sidestep local zoning rules that could've put the project in jeopardy. 

Originally proposed as a 27-story tower with 111 units, it is now planned to have 29 stories with 210 units — 84 workforce rental units and 126 luxury condos.

Waterfront scene with a left beige high-rise and a right glassy, tiered hotel-style building. Palm trees line a sunny park as pedestrians and cyclists pass; cars drive along the street by the calm blue water.

The latest: The project is now the subject of a lawsuit, alleging it violates a deed restriction on the site and requires voter approval. 

Driving the news: Axios attended the first of two public meetings to learn more about the project.

Plans include a 20,000-square-foot-community center with an auditorium, multipurpose rooms and ballroom. There would also be 126 public parking spaces.

Harry Berry Park would be expanded and new bathrooms and a playground added. 

Modern building with balconies and terraces. Ivy-covered wall reads Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center. People sit on steps; a cyclist passes; palm trees and cars in a parking lot.

Space for a coffee shop or convenience store is planned for the ground floor. 

Friction point: Keith Poliakoff, attorney for Related Group, tells Axios that the biggest misconceptions are that the project would eliminate the park, dunes and community center.

He says the land can be used for any public use, pointing to the 1974 deed that states "for whatever the Commission wishes."

Poliakoff says the public opposition prompted the developer to get 1301  approved through Live Local, which allowed the project to become larger. 

Rendering of Sunny tropical playground with palm trees, lush greenery, a large white spiral slide, wooden climbing frames, and kids playing as adults supervise near a modern building.

The other side: In addition to the environmental concerns, critics have slammed the project for having separate entrances for the apartment and condo units, which some call "poor doors."

"I don't think any of you want to be known as the 'poor door' landlord, implying that our heroes or our busboys aren't fit to walk through the same lobby or swim in the same pool as the wealthier residents," Hollywood Commissioner Caryl Shuham said ahead of the May vote.

Poliakoff maintains that critics weaponized the term "poor doors" and don't understand development of  luxury condos.

A rendering of a modern beachfront complex with stacked, cantilevered terraces and a tall central tower. Glass walls, railings, palm trees, people on balconies, and a row of parked cars beneath a clear blue sky.

What's next: Poliakoff says the groundbreaking is expected in late 2027. 

The next public meeting is 3 to 7pm on Aug. 6 at the Garfield Community Center, 300 Connecticut St. 

1301 development team pushes back on resident criticism

The developer is hosting public meetings to meet with skeptical residents.

Aerial rendering view of 1301 project along Hollywood Beach. It is the tall beige high-rise in the foreground, many low-rise buildings along canals, white sand beach, turquoise water, and a blue sky with clouds.

Residents fear this is the beginning of rapid high-rise development along Hollywood Beach. Photo: Related Group

The developer of the controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portofino Hollywood project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/10/1301-project-hollywood-development-roundup" data-vars-content-id="7c62632d-366f-47a5-b9ee-ef81391171cd" data-vars-headline="1301 development team pushes back on resident criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/10/1301-project-hollywood-development-roundup" target="_self">Portofino Hollywood project</a>, better known as 1301, is meeting with residents to address what it says is widespread misinformation about the project. Why it matters: Related Group&#x27;s project has divided Hollywood, with many residents afraid the redevelopment of city-owned beachfront land will change the barrier island&#x27;s character and spur more high-rise development. Catch up quick: After zoning issues and resident criticism stalled the luxury condo for nearly five years, the Hollywood City Commission approved making 1301 a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live Local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/hillsborough-county-sues-state-over-live-local-act" data-vars-content-id="7c62632d-366f-47a5-b9ee-ef81391171cd" data-vars-headline="1301 development team pushes back on resident criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/hillsborough-county-sues-state-over-live-local-act" target="_self">Live Local</a> project under a 99-year lease.

Development

Michele and Kevin Swan wake up to loud construction sounds and find cracks forming in their home. Nearby, Debbie Stanger says heavy equipment shakes her house and rattles her perfume bottles.

Why it matters: They're among a few longtime residents who say they're living in a construction zone next to Memorial Regional Hospital.

State of play: Memorial has slowly bought and demolished homes along Hayes, Grant and Garfield streets in Hollywood Hills over the years to make room for a new $670 million surgical and patient bed tower.

The homes still standing are now surrounded by vacant gravel lots used for parking, equipment storage and contractor office space.

In a letter to residents last November, Memorial offered to buy their homes and warned that construction staging could last five years.

Friction point: Residents say the hospital is avoiding a preferable option: eminent domain, a legal process for seizing private property. 

In that scenario, residents could be entitled to relocation assistance and additional compensation.

The big picture: The residents, who are in their 70s and living on fixed incomes, say the hospital isn't offering enough for them to afford to relocate. 

The other side: Memorial didn't respond to Axios' questions prior to publication.

The hospital previously told Local 10 that all sales are voluntary and the homeowners are being offered market-value prices.

Memorial added that it is not pursuing eminent domain because voluntary negotiations give the residents more flexibility.

What they're saying: Kyle Teal, an attorney representing some of the residents, tells Axios that Memorial's gradual purchases and the constant construction have reduced their leverage and driven down property values.

Wide street flanked by grass, trees, and fences, with a large white office building on the left and distant buildings beneath a bright blue sky with white clouds.

Residents say the empty lots are being used for parking. Photo: Naomi Feinstein/Axios

"There's nothing voluntary about what's happening out there right now," he told Axios.

Between the lines: Teal also questions why the city gave the hospital a permit for industrial staging and parking in a residential area.

Hollywood communications director Joann Hussey tells Axios that the staging activity was permitted because Memorial owns the property next to the construction site. 

She adds that the city is working to make sure neighbors are safe and their concerns are addressed. 

The bottom line: Residents say they're not trying to stop the expansion. But they want the hospital to begin the eminent domain process so they receive a fair deal.

"We're not stupid and realize we will eventually be moving, but this plan to kill us slowly is just not humane, morally and ethically correct," Kevin Swan said. "Where is their integrity?"

$670 million surgical and patient bed tower

Hospital expansion leaves seniors living in construction zone

Memorial Regional Hospital has slowly bought homes to make way for a new tower.

Construction site along a road with orange safety cones and a green barrier. In the background a white office building with a red heart logo, trees, and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

The remaining residents say heavy construction equipment is constantly coming through the neighborhood. Photo: Naomi Feinstein/Axios

Michele and Kevin Swan wake up to loud construction sounds and find cracks forming in their home. Nearby, Debbie Stanger says heavy equipment shakes her house and rattles her perfume bottles.Why it matters: They&#x27;re among a few longtime residents who say they&#x27;re living in a construction zone next to Memorial Regional Hospital.

We've reached the last weekend of the World Cup, and the City of Hollywood is hosting one last watch party for the final on Sunday.

Why it matters: Hollywood's watch party last month brought more than 30,000 people to downtown.

The vibe: Expect food trucks, live music, giant outdoor screens and drink and food specials at participating downtown businesses.

If you go: Hollywood Boulevard (between 19th & 21st Avenues). Free parking and shuttle service from City Hall to downtown. $15 parking available at several downtown garages and lots.

Arrive early: The fan zone will close once it reaches capacity.

Here's what's happening in Hollywood that's not World Cup-related:

🎵 Live Music at Hollywood Beach Theatre: Friday-Sunday, 7-9pm.

🍿 ArtsPark Movie Night: The Legend of Ochi, Friday 8-10pm.

🎨 Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk: Saturday, 6-10pm.

Artisan market, mural and gallery tours, magic show and live music.

🇨🇴 Colombia Independence Celebration at ArtsPark: Saturday, 4-11pm.

Live music, Barranquilla Carnival dancing, local vendors and authentic Colombian and Latin American food.

Colombia Independence Celebration at ArtsPark

Things to do in Hollywood: World Cup party, ArtWalk, and more

The City of Hollywood is expecting a big turnout for its final World Cup watch party on Sunday.

Illustration of confetti shooting out of a timeclock.

We&#x27;ve reached the last weekend of the World Cup, and the City of Hollywood is hosting one last watch party for the final on Sunday.Why it matters: Hollywood&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="watch party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/24/world-cup-watch-party-downtown-hollywood" data-vars-content-id="c5cf7cbd-7acc-47d7-bce6-20805117dd36" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Hollywood: World Cup party, ArtWalk, and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/24/world-cup-watch-party-downtown-hollywood" target="_self">watch party</a> last month brought more than 30,000 people to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/07/14/downtown-hollywood-businesses-struggle-development" data-vars-content-id="c5cf7cbd-7acc-47d7-bce6-20805117dd36" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Hollywood: World Cup party, ArtWalk, and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/07/14/downtown-hollywood-businesses-struggle-development" target="_self">downtown</a>.

Things to Do

Common Room, a modern American restaurant serving elevated comfort food, has officially opened in downtown Hollywood near Young Circle.

Why it matters: It's the newest concept by BOL Hospitality Group that will serve as a neighborhood anchor in downtown.

State of plate: You can expect caviar-topped lobster rolls, refined pastas and crispy fried chicken inside the 2,000-square-foot-restaurant.

Other notable menu items: chicken & caviar, the Common Wagyu burger, prime rib French dip and crisp-skin branzino.

The Supper Club-inspired cocktail program, designed by Miami's Unfiltered Hospitality, offers guests martinis their way.

What they're saying: "Common Room will be known for great food, an amazing vibe and excellent service," cofounder Eric Douglas said in a press release.

"It's where happy hour effortlessly rolls into great evenings, and great dinners turn into memorable nights."

Two-panel dining scene: left shows a plate of three beef sliders, a small black pot, and a cocktail on a wooden table; right shows a gold stand with tapas, a hand lifting a bite, and colorful plates and drinks.

The menu is expansive. Photos: Courtesy of Durée & Company, Inc.

Context: Tanya Evans, executive chef at Common Room, previously worked at Barton G, Major Food Group and Café Mistral.

What's next: A hidden, invitation-only speakeasy behind the restaurant called The Brooklyn Room is opening in early August.

Guests can expect a "unique mix of beats" and cocktails named after Brooklyn neighborhoods.

"While access to The Brooklyn Room speakeasy is by invitation only, becoming a familiar face at any of BOL Hospitality Group's establishments doesn't hurt your possibilities of getting an invite," Douglas added.

Common Room opens in downtown Hollywood

Guests can expected modern twists of American classics.

Stylish restaurant interior with dark green walls and a floral wallpaper accent. Wooden tables set with glassware and black napkins, gold-topped lamps, and green upholstered chairs.

Jewel Toned Interiors designed the interior of the restaurant. Photo: Courtesy of Durée & Company, Inc.

Common Room, a modern American restaurant serving elevated comfort food, has officially opened in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown Hollywood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/07/14/downtown-hollywood-businesses-struggle-development" data-vars-content-id="e9ed2994-14c2-44f6-b6d2-86d27d3b0d7e" data-vars-headline="Common Room opens in downtown Hollywood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/07/14/downtown-hollywood-businesses-struggle-development" target="_self">downtown Hollywood</a> near Young Circle.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the newest concept by BOL Hospitality Group that will serve as a neighborhood anchor in downtown.

Naomi Feinstein

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Common Room opens in downtown Hollywood