The "Keep Floridians Housed Act" establishes the Department of Housing and Tenant Rights, led by a secretary appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. This department will focus on affordable housing and homelessness, improve landlord-tenant relationships, and explore the implementation of an empty homes tax. Key provisions include requiring landlords to provide rental agreements in plain language, prohibiting certain fees for prospective tenants, and mandating specific notice requirements for rent increases. The bill also protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence from eviction and grants them the right of first refusal to purchase their rental property. Additional amendments address security deposits, property inspections, and the sealing of eviction records under certain conditions.

The bill further enhances tenant protections by prohibiting landlords from terminating utility services or discriminating against tenants based on various factors. It requires landlords to change locks for victims of violence within 24 hours of a request and allows tenants to file motions to seal eviction records. The legislation also introduces measures to prevent excessive application fees and mandates that landlords provide tenants with an opportunity to purchase their dwelling before selling it. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for affordable housing initiatives, such as a tax on deeds related to residential properties purchased by private equity firms and a Retail-to-Residence Tax Credit Program for redeveloping shopping centers into affordable housing. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1592 Filed: 83.51, 83.54, 83.60, 83.63, 83.67, 196.061