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 addressing evolving housing needs through adaptable policy frameworks.
Key provisions of the bill include definitions for "single-family hybrid housing use" and "single-family residential use," along with the ability for local governments to tailor their land use policies to meet specific housing needs. The legislation allows for the adoption of local land development regulations and provides exemptions for builders or developers constructing new homes on land zoned for single-family residential use. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that rezoning efforts contribute to homeownership opportunities in Florida.