The bill introduces new provisions regarding tenant screening and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Florida. It establishes a section on reusable tenant screening reports, allowing landlords to accept these reports without charging applicants any fees. The bill defines key terms related to tenant screening and mandates that landlords must require applicants to confirm that there have been no material changes to the information in the report. Additionally, it amends existing laws to require local governments to adopt ordinances permitting ADUs in single-family residential areas by December 1, 2026, rather than allowing them to do so at their discretion. The ordinances must apply prospectively and cannot impose certain restrictions, such as prohibiting rentals for less than one month or requiring the property owner to reside in the primary dwelling.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to ensure that properties with ADUs are not denied homestead exemptions solely based on the presence of the rental unit. It also allows local governments to offer density bonus incentives to landowners who donate property for affordable housing, specifically for military families. The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability is tasked with evaluating the use of mezzanine finance and the potential of tiny homes for affordable housing solutions, with a report due by December 31, 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 313 Filed: 420.615