The proposed bill introduces several significant changes to housing regulations in Florida, particularly concerning tenant screening and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). It establishes a new section, 83.471, which allows landlords to accept reusable tenant screening reports, mandates that these reports include specific information about the applicant, and prohibits landlords from charging fees for their use. Additionally, the bill amends section 163.31771 to require 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 regulations also specify that ADUs providing affordable rental housing will count towards local governments' affordable housing goals and clarify that property owners with ADUs cannot be denied a homestead exemption based solely on the presence of the rental unit.

Further amendments include provisions for local governments to offer density bonuses for landowners donating property for affordable housing, particularly for military families, and a requirement for the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to evaluate the use of mezzanine finance and tiny homes in addressing affordable housing needs. The bill also clarifies that certain conversions of single-family or two-family dwellings into residences do not constitute a change in occupancy under the Florida Building Code or require reclassification under the Florida Fire Prevention Code. 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