The "Keep Floridians Housed Act" aims to create the Department of Housing and Tenant Rights, which will be responsible for addressing affordable housing and homelessness in Florida. The bill includes a mandate for a report on the potential implementation of an empty homes tax by January 1, 2026, and reorganizes existing housing laws. Key provisions include new regulations for rental agreements, such as requiring written notices for rent increases, prohibiting certain fees for prospective tenants, and establishing tenant rights in cases of domestic violence. The bill also redefines "rent" to exclude various fees and deposits, mandates that landlords provide rental agreements in plain language, and ensures tenants have the right of first refusal in property sales.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant amendments to existing landlord-tenant laws, including the requirement for landlords to hold security deposits in a separate interest-bearing account and provide written notice regarding the handling of these deposits. It prohibits landlords from terminating utility services or evicting tenants who are victims of domestic violence, and it establishes new protections for tenants, particularly those with children or who are pregnant. The bill also creates a Community Land Bank Program to facilitate affordable housing development and introduces a Retail-to-Residence Tax Credit Program to incentivize the conversion of shopping centers into affordable housing. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance tenant protections, promote fair housing practices, and support affordable housing initiatives in Florida.

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