The bill seeks to promote affordable housing development in Florida by amending existing statutes to empower county commissioners and municipal governing boards to approve affordable housing projects, including mixed-use residential developments, on parcels owned by religious institutions, irrespective of the underlying zoning. It mandates that at least 10% of units in these projects must be affordable and limits non-residential use in mixed-use developments to no more than 10% of total square footage. Additionally, the bill prohibits municipalities from imposing excessive requirements on these developments and requires them to permit multifamily and mixed-use residential uses in flexibly zoned areas under specific conditions.

Moreover, the legislation introduces provisions for administrative approvals of developments, reduces parking requirements, and prioritizes civil actions related to violations of the new regulations in court, with reasonable attorney fees capped at $250,000 for prevailing parties. It also establishes guidelines for building moratoriums, requiring counties to assess their need for affordable housing before imposing such moratoriums and mandates annual reporting to the state land planning agency on litigation and project approvals. The bill aims to streamline the affordable housing development process while ensuring local regulations do not obstruct the creation of housing options, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1730 Filed: 380.0552, 760.26
S 1730 c1: 380.0552, 760.26
S 1730 c2: 380.0552, 760.26
S 1730 e1: 125.01055, 166.04151, 380.0552, 760.26