The bill introduces new provisions regarding tenant screening and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Florida. It establishes Section 83.471, which allows landlords to accept reusable tenant screening reports, prohibits them from charging fees for these reports, and requires applicants to confirm that no material changes have occurred in their information. Additionally, the bill amends Section 163.31771, mandating local governments to adopt ordinances permitting ADUs in single-family residential zones by December 1, 2025, rather than allowing them to choose whether to do so. The new ordinances must apply prospectively and cannot impose certain restrictions, such as prohibiting rentals for less than one month or requiring the owner to reside in the primary dwelling.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that prevent the denial of homestead exemptions based solely on the presence of an ADU and requires that rented ADUs be assessed and taxed separately. It also authorizes local governments to offer density bonus incentives for landowners donating property for affordable housing, specifically for military families. Lastly, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability is tasked with evaluating the use of mezzanine finance and the potential of tiny homes to address affordable housing needs, with a report due by December 31, 2026. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 184 Filed: 163.31771, 420.615
S 184 c1: 420.615
S 184 c2: 420.615
S 184 c3: 420.615
S 184 e1: 420.615