The Boca Raton Historical Society is committed to the preservation of historically significant sites and structures in Boca Raton. The Society serves as a resource for property owners seeking information about historic designation and manages a collection of archival materials that document the history of the region.
Working in partnership with the City of Boca Raton, the Historical Society advocates for the preservation of structures, sites, and districts that contribute to the cultural and architectural heritage of the community. Through education, outreach, and direct assistance, the Society helps property owners understand the benefits and process of historic designation.
The Society also maintains close relationships with state and national preservation organizations, ensuring that Boca Raton’s historic resources are recognized and protected at every level.
The Boca Raton Historic Preservation Board (HPB) is a City advisory board that reviews applications for historic designation, certificates of appropriateness, and demolition requests affecting designated historic properties.
The Board meets monthly and is composed of professionals with expertise in architecture, history, real estate, and related fields. It advises the City Council on matters affecting Boca Raton’s historic resources and ensures that changes to designated properties are consistent with established preservation standards.
Property owners wishing to designate a property as historic, or those seeking approval for alterations to an already-designated property, must submit an application to the Historic Preservation Board for review. The Board’s recommendations are then forwarded to the City Council for final approval.
The City of Boca Raton’s historic designation program recognizes properties that possess significant historical, cultural, architectural, or archaeological value. Designation provides legal protection and may qualify property owners for special incentives, including tax benefits and grant funding.
A property may be eligible for historic designation if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
Historic designation is a formal recognition that a property, site, structure, or district has special historical, cultural, aesthetic, archaeological, or architectural significance. Once designated, a property is subject to a review process for any proposed exterior alterations, additions, or demolitions.
Designation does not prevent owners from making changes to their properties. Rather, it ensures that proposed changes are reviewed for compatibility with the property’s historic character. Interior spaces are generally not subject to historic review unless they are character-defining and publicly accessible.
Under the City of Boca Raton’s Land Development Regulations (LDR), Chapter 23, owners of locally designated historic properties are required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before undertaking any exterior alteration, new construction, or demolition that would affect the property’s historic character.
Designation also opens opportunities for financial assistance. Locally designated historic properties may be eligible for ad valorem tax exemptions for qualifying rehabilitation work, as well as grants and low-interest loans through state and federal preservation programs.
In addition to structures and sites, the City of Boca Raton also provides a mechanism for the designation of specimen or historic trees. Trees may be designated as historic if they are of notable age, size, species, or historical association.
Designated historic trees receive protection under city ordinance and may not be removed or significantly altered without approval from the City. Property owners are encouraged to contact the City’s Planning and Zoning Department for guidance on specimen or historic tree designation.
Historic designation provides meaningful benefits to property owners and the broader community. Designated properties become part of the permanent historic record of the City of Boca Raton, contributing to our collective sense of place and identity.
From an economic standpoint, historic designation has been shown to enhance property values in surrounding areas. Studies by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and various state preservation offices consistently demonstrate that historic districts outperform non-historic neighborhoods in property value appreciation.
Designated properties may qualify for the following financial incentives:
Beyond economics, designation helps ensure that the stories, architecture, and character of Boca Raton’s past remain accessible and legible to future generations.
The following steps outline the process for seeking historic designation for a property within the City of Boca Raton:
Once a property is locally designated as historic, it becomes subject to the City of Boca Raton’s historic preservation regulations as set forth in the Land Development Regulations (LDR), Chapter 23.
The primary legal consequence is that any proposed exterior alterations, new construction on the property, or demolition of the historic structure must be reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Board through the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process before a building permit can be issued.
It is important to note that routine maintenance and repairs that do not change the appearance of the historic fabric are generally exempt from COA review. Interior alterations are also typically exempt unless the interior is a character-defining and publicly accessible space.
Demolition of a locally designated historic structure is strongly discouraged and subject to a heightened review process. The Historic Preservation Board and City Council must find that demolition is necessary and that all alternatives have been exhausted before approval may be granted.
Properties located within a locally designated historic district are subject to the same COA review process as individually designated landmarks. All contributing and non-contributing structures within a district must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations visible from a public way.
A contributing structure is one that, by virtue of its age, design, and integrity, adds to the historic character of the district. A non-contributing structure is one that, due to its age, alterations, or design, does not reflect the district’s period of significance.
Even non-contributing structures within a historic district are subject to design review to ensure that new construction and alterations are compatible with the district’s overall historic character.
Property owners within historic districts are encouraged to work closely with City planning staff and the Boca Raton Historical Society throughout any planned renovation or construction project to ensure a smooth and timely review process.
For more information about historic preservation in Boca Raton, please contact:
Boca Raton Historical Society
71 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Phone: (561) 395-6766
Email: info@bocahistory.org
City of Boca Raton — Planning and Zoning Department
200 NW 2nd Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Phone: (561) 393-7750
Florida Division of Historical Resources
R. A. Gray Building
500 S. Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250
Phone: (850) 245-6300
Website: dos.myflorida.com/historical
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Website: savingplaces.org
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
71 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
