The Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Act for Persons with Developmental Disabilities aims to improve access to stable and affordable housing for individuals with developmental disabilities in Florida. The bill introduces a new section in the Florida Statutes that provides various incentives, including exemptions from ad valorem taxation for eligible developments, a 99-year vested right to this exemption, and tax refunds for building materials used in qualifying residential units. Local governments are mandated to waive certain impact fees, and businesses can apply for tax credits based on their employment of qualified individuals with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the bill establishes a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program to offer rent subsidies and creates Regional Housing and Employment Support Centers to enhance vocational training opportunities.
Moreover, the bill emphasizes community integration and aims to reduce reliance on institutional care by promoting affordable housing solutions and supportive services. It includes provisions for businesses to receive tax refunds on sales tax for electricity purchases and grants for workplace modifications and training programs, with a cap of $500,000 per calendar year for tax credits. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation is tasked with prioritizing funding for affordable housing developments and establishing a State Loan Insurance Program for qualified developers. The bill allocates $1 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund for its implementation, effective July 1, 2025, and mandates compliance audits for participating businesses and developers, imposing penalties for noncompliance.