5 Essential Projects And The Vision Of JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture In Florida's Development
The dynamic world of Florida real estate and development is constantly evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture. As of December 20, 2025, the firm continues to shape the built environment across the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast, blending complex regulatory expertise with thoughtful, creative design. Their full-service approach, spanning from initial land planning and zoning to final hardscape execution, positions them as a critical player in both residential and commercial sectors, tackling everything from large-scale community developments to intricate retail spaces.
Founded in 2014 and based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, JMorton has rapidly grown from a single-office operation to a multi-office firm. The company is distinguished by its ability to navigate the demanding process of procuring entitlements for a diverse portfolio of projects, including institutional, industrial, commercial, and residential developments. This deep-seated expertise in regulatory affairs is seamlessly integrated with their award-winning landscape and hardscape design services, ensuring that every project is not only legally compliant but also aesthetically and functionally superior.
The Visionary: Jennifer Morton, President and Founder
The success and growth of JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture are directly attributable to the decades of experience and leadership of its founder, Jennifer Morton. Her professional journey in land planning and landscape architecture provides the foundation for the firm’s comprehensive service model.
- Full Name: Jennifer Morton
- Title: President and Founder
- Firm: JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture
- Firm Founding Date: 2014
- Experience: Over 32 years of experience in land planning, landscape architecture, entitlements, and project management.
- Key Areas of Expertise: Land planning, zoning expertise, landscape design, hardscape design, and procuring entitlements for large-scale projects.
- Geographic Focus: The Palm Beaches, the Treasure Coast, and other key development areas across Florida.
- Community Involvement: Jennifer Morton is an active member of the Housing Leadership Council (HLC) and the firm is a notable partner with local institutions like the School of the Arts and the Roosevelt Full Service Center, underscoring a commitment to community-focused development.
- Firm Growth: Under her leadership, the firm has expanded from a single office to three Florida offices, growing its team of registered landscape architects, planners, and support staff.
Jennifer Morton’s philosophy centers on providing a "full-service, personal experience" to clients, ensuring that every project, regardless of size, receives dedicated attention from the initial planning stages through to its final design implementation.
Recent and High-Impact Projects Shaping South Florida (2024 Updates)
JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture is currently involved in several high-profile projects that demonstrate their versatility and deep understanding of Florida's complex development landscape. Their work often involves navigating critical zoning and land use amendments, a testament to their strong planning division.
The firm’s involvement in the 2024 Future Land Use Atlas Amendment Petition Summary for Palm Beach County (PBC) highlights their ongoing role in shaping the region's long-term development strategy. As the agent for the project involving Morningstar Nursery, Inc., the firm is actively working on proposals that will define the future use of significant parcels of land. This type of work showcases their core strength in land use entitlements and regulatory planning, which is often the most challenging aspect of Florida development.
1. Addressing Housing Needs: The West Boynton Plan
One of the most significant and community-relevant projects is the proposed 259-home plan in West Boynton. This development is notable because it includes a substantial commitment to workforce housing, with 65 of the homes designated to qualify under Palm Beach County's workforce housing criteria. The firm’s ability to integrate essential community needs like affordable housing into large-scale residential planning demonstrates their commitment to socially responsible development.
2. Commercial and Retail Development
Beyond residential communities, JMorton is a key contributor to the commercial sector. They have been involved in the planning and design for a new retail development in Lake Worth, Florida. The plans for this project include site work, paving, and the construction of an 11,148-square-foot facility, illustrating their capacity to manage the full lifecycle of commercial construction projects. Their expertise ensures that commercial spaces are both highly functional for businesses and visually appealing for consumers, enhancing the overall streetscape.
3. Institutional and Mixed-Use Developments
The firm has also been the agent for the Delray Atlantic Club in Delray Beach, FL, handling the annexation, rezoning, and site plan applications for a new dormitory facility. This project underscores their capability in institutional planning and navigating the unique requirements of public-facing and educational developments.
Furthermore, one of their earliest landmark achievements was the design and approval of Cobblestone Commons. This project was the first Multiple Use Planned Development (MUPD) approved in Palm Beach County's Agriculture Reserve, setting a precedent for innovative land use that blends different development types. This success story highlights their pioneering approach to complex land planning challenges.
The Full-Service Advantage: Planning, Zoning, and Design
The true competitive advantage of JMorton lies in the seamless integration of its two core divisions: Planning and Landscape Architecture. This holistic approach ensures that design concepts are grounded in regulatory reality, and planning strategies are informed by design excellence.
The Planning and Entitlements Division
The Planning Division has a strong focus on procuring entitlements. This is the process of obtaining governmental approvals for development projects, including zoning changes, permits, and comprehensive plan amendments. Key services include:
- Zoning Expertise: Navigating local and county zoning codes to ensure project compliance and obtain necessary variances.
- Future Land Use Amendments: Assisting clients in officially changing the designated use of their property, a critical step for large-scale projects.
- Project Management: Overseeing the entire approval process, liaising with government agencies, and managing public hearings.
The Hardscape and Landscape Architecture Division
The design team, which includes registered Landscape Architects like Michelle, the Director of Landscape Architecture and Design (joined in 2022), translates the approved plans into tangible, beautiful environments. Their work goes beyond mere planting to encompass a comprehensive hardscape design strategy.
The team focuses on creating thoughtful, creative, and sustainable spaces that enhance the user experience and the value of the property. This includes the design of outdoor amenities, pedestrian walkways, water features, and the selection of appropriate, often native, plant materials for the South Florida climate. Their commitment to excellence earned them a feature in the September 2020 issue of Landscape Architect Magazine, a testament to their industry recognition.
By offering this full-spectrum service—from the abstract legalities of entitlements to the concrete beauty of hardscape design—JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture provides a streamlined, single-source solution for developers. This integrated model minimizes delays and ensures a cohesive vision for every project, solidifying their reputation as a trusted leader in Florida's development and design industry.
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