The bill CS/CS/CS/HB 943 amends Florida law to streamline the approval process for affordable housing developments, particularly those on parcels owned by religious institutions and in areas designated for commercial or industrial use. It allows county commissioners and municipal governing bodies to approve multifamily and mixed-use residential projects without requiring zoning changes, provided a minimum percentage of units are designated as affordable. The legislation prohibits municipalities from imposing restrictions on density, floor area ratios, and building heights below specified thresholds, while also allowing for administrative approvals of developments that meet local regulations. Additionally, it reduces parking requirements for developments near transit stops and eliminates them for mixed-use projects in designated transit-oriented areas.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a process for administrative approvals, the requirement for municipalities to maintain transparency regarding development approvals, and the prohibition of discrimination in land use decisions based on housing affordability. The bill mandates annual reporting by counties on litigation and development actions related to affordable housing, and it prioritizes civil actions against municipalities for violations, with reasonable attorney fees awarded to the prevailing party. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes specific exemptions for certain areas, such as the Wekiva Study Area and the Everglades Protection Area, while emphasizing the importance of equitable housing opportunities.

Statutes affected:
H 943 Filed: 163.31801, 166.041, 163.31771, 333.03, 760.26, 479.01, 1001.43
H 943 c1: 163.31801, 166.041, 163.31771, 333.03, 420.50871, 760.22, 760.26, 760.35, 479.01, 1001.43
H 943 c2: 163.31801, 166.041, 163.31771, 333.03, 420.50871, 760.22, 760.26, 760.35, 1001.43
H 943 c3: 380.0552, 420.50871, 760.22, 760.26, 760.35