The bill seeks to enhance the development of affordable housing in Florida by amending existing statutes to allow county commissioners and municipal governing boards to approve affordable housing projects on parcels owned by religious institutions, irrespective of zoning restrictions. It mandates that local governments permit multifamily and mixed-use residential developments in designated areas, ensuring that at least 40% of the units are affordable for a minimum of 30 years. The legislation prohibits local governments from imposing excessive requirements, such as zoning changes or special exceptions, and limits non-residential use in mixed-use projects to 10%. Additionally, it establishes parameters for density, floor area ratios, and building heights that cannot be restricted below specified thresholds.

The bill also streamlines the approval process for developments by allowing administrative approvals without further action from local boards, particularly for demolitions related to new projects. It includes provisions for reducing parking requirements near transit stops and allows adjacent parcels to be included in multifamily projects. The legislation emphasizes expedited court decisions in civil actions related to housing violations and sets limits on attorney fees for prevailing parties. Furthermore, it introduces a public sector and hospital employer-sponsored housing policy, requires annual reporting on litigation related to multifamily developments, and outlines conditions for imposing building moratoriums. The act is set to take effect on 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