The bill establishes new regulations regarding tenant screening and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Florida. It creates a section that allows landlords to accept reusable tenant screening reports, which must include specific information about the applicant, and prohibits landlords from charging fees for these reports. Additionally, the bill mandates that local governments adopt ordinances to permit ADUs in single-family residential areas by a specified date, removing previous discretionary authority. The ordinances must not impose certain restrictions, such as requiring the owner to reside in the primary dwelling or increasing parking requirements unnecessarily. It also specifies that ADUs providing affordable rental housing will count towards local housing plans and outlines tax implications for properties with rented ADUs.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for local governments to offer density bonuses for landowners donating property for affordable housing, particularly for military families. It requires an evaluation by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability on the use of mezzanine finance and tiny homes for affordable housing solutions, with a report due by the end of 2026. The bill also clarifies that certain conversions of single-family or two-family dwellings into recovery residences or homes for individuals with mental health disorders will not trigger reclassification under building and fire safety codes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 247 Filed: 163.31771, 420.615
H 247 c1: 420.615
H 247 c2: 420.615
H 247 c3: 420.615, 553.80, 633.208