The proposed bill, titled the "Strengthening Home Ownership in Florida Act," aims to enhance residential land use development regulations by establishing clear distinctions between single-family residential use and single-family hybrid housing use. It introduces new sections in the Florida Statutes, specifically ss. 125.01056 and 166.04155, which authorize counties and municipalities to designate land for either single-family residential use or single-family hybrid housing use. The bill emphasizes the importance of homeownership for community stability and economic prosperity, while also recognizing the evolving housing needs that require adaptable policies to promote inclusivity and economic diversity.
Key provisions of the bill include the ability for local governments to tailor their land use policies to meet specific housing needs, the establishment of definitions for single-family residential and hybrid housing uses, and exemptions from certain land development regulations for builders and developers. The bill also specifies that it does not apply to properties owned or developed by governmental entities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to address the current lack of mechanisms ensuring that rezoning for single-family residential use supports homeownership opportunities.