House Bill 1471, known as the "Keep Floridians Housed Act," seeks to enhance tenant protections and address affordable housing issues in Florida by establishing the Department of Housing and Tenant Rights. This department will be led by a secretary appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Key provisions of the bill include requiring rental agreements to be written in plain language, limiting security deposits to one month's rent, and mandating that landlords provide adequate notice before rent increases. The bill also introduces measures to protect tenants who are victims of domestic violence, allowing them to terminate their rental agreements without penalty and requiring landlords to change locks upon request.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant amendments to rental agreement laws, including the requirement for landlords to have "good cause" for terminating agreements and the establishment of a right of first refusal for tenants in the event of a sale. It prohibits landlords from charging various application-related fees and mandates that security deposits be held in interest-bearing accounts. The legislation also creates a framework for municipalities to develop community land bank programs aimed at facilitating affordable housing, imposes a new tax on deeds related to residential properties purchased by private equity firms, and establishes a Retail-to-Residence Tax Credit Program to incentivize the redevelopment of shopping centers into affordable housing. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1471 Filed: 83.51, 83.54, 83.60, 83.63, 83.67, 196.061