News Summary
The Orlando Torah Center has filed a federal lawsuit against Orange County after the county denied its request to expand its facilities. The expansion, aimed at accommodating a growing membership, is argued to be essential for the congregation’s religious practices. OTC claims the denial infringes on their rights under the First Amendment and federal laws. The case highlights tensions between local governance and religious rights, with some community members expressing opposition to the synagogue’s presence.
Orlando, Florida – The Orlando Torah Center (OTC), an Orthodox synagogue located in Dr. Phillips, has initiated a federal lawsuit against Orange County and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. The lawsuit alleges that the county’s recent denial of OTC’s request to expand its facilities infringes upon the congregation’s rights to religious expression and practice.
OTC acquired a property at 8613 Banyan Blvd., Orlando, in the Sand Lake Hills subdivision in 2015, which was officially designated as a dedicated house of worship in 2022. The property spans approximately 0.75 acres and is zoned R-1A for single-family residential use. Since its establishment, OTC has seen its membership double over the past five years, leading to a need for additional space to accommodate its growing community.
In 2024, OTC filed an application seeking to expand the synagogue by 9,376 square feet, which includes plans for a second floor and a partial third floor. However, on July 1, 2025, the Orange County Commissioners unanimously rejected this expansion request, citing concerns over compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
The denial of the application has been characterized by OTC as a violation of their rights under the First Amendment, the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), and Florida’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The case has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, recorded as Case No. 6:25-cv-014.
OTC’s legal counsel, Attorney Roman Storzer, has condemned the county’s decision, claiming it marginalizes the Orthodox Jewish community and undermines their religious rights. The organization argues the expansion is essential to provide adequate facilities for its worshippers, especially during services that have become overcrowded.
Members of OTC follow religious beliefs that limit their ability to drive on certain days, particularly on holidays and the Sabbath, emphasizing the need for a walkable place of worship within their community. Some residents in Sand Lake Hills have expressed opposition to the synagogue, claiming it has not been used for its intended residential purpose and has posed challenges for the neighborhood, including increased parking demands and noise violations. A neighbor raised concerns regarding the perceived treatment of women and LGBTQ individuals within the Orthodox faith during the expansion discussions.
Despite these objections, Storzer defended OTC’s legal right to use the property for worship in accordance with local zoning regulations, pointing out that other community facilities, such as schools and daycares, have received similar zoning approvals without controversy.
The timeline related to this case has included several significant milestones:
- 2011: OTC was established.
- 2015: Property acquisition at 8613 Banyan Blvd.
- 2018: OTC faced citations for operating without special exception.
- 2019: Orange County’s lawsuit against OTC was denied.
- 2020: Special exception permission was granted to OTC.
- 2022: Property was officially designated as a house of worship.
- 2024: Expansion application was submitted.
- July 1, 2025: Expansion request was denied.
- July 31, 2025: Lawsuit filed against Orange County and the Board of County Commissioners.
Rabbi Menachem Kramer has reiterated the necessity of the expansion to effectively serve the needs of the growing congregation. Meanwhile, Commissioner Nicole Wilson has not responded to requests for comment on the matter, while Commissioner Mayra Uribe has stated that the decision was influenced by community concerns rather than any religious factors.
The lawsuit filed by OTC seeks a reversal of the county’s decision, calling for an acknowledgment of their religious freedoms and rights to expand their place of worship.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orange Observer
- Wikipedia: First Amendment
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Google Search: Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
- Orlando Sentinel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Religious Freedom
- WESH
- Google News: Religious discrimination lawsuit Orlando
- Hoodline
- Google Scholar: Florida Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
