The Orlando Torah Center (OTC), an Orthodox synagogue located in Orange County, has lodged a federal lawsuit against county officials after being denied the opportunity to expand its facility. The denial, which took place following two community meetings in late 2024, has prompted allegations of religious discrimination against the synagogue by some of the county’s representatives. Citing violations of constitutional and federal protections, including the First Amendment, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), and Florida’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the OTC is challenging the refusal of their zoning request, as per the Orange Observer.
The synagogue, which purchased a home at 8613 Banyan Blvd. in 2014 and set up operations in 2015, had sought to expand its existing structure to a three-story building to serve its growing congregation. According to an interview given by attorney Roman Storzer [er FOX 35 Orlando, the expansion is necessary for “a growing community of orthodox Jews in the area” who need a place of worship they can walk to, particularly on the Sabbath. The OTC’s current property is zoned R-1A single-family residential. Although similar zoning approvals have been granted to other religious and educational institutions in nearby districts, OTC’s request was rejected…