JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Florida lawmakers are moving forward with legislation seeking to address the state’s affordable housing crisis, but it comes with a caveat.
It would remove local governments’ ability to impose rent control measures.
State Senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami) is sponsoring the bill she hopes will lower housing costs for Floridians.
“The Live Local Act invests over $700 million into workforce and affordable housing,” said Calatayud.
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The bill bolsters funding for multiple affordable housing programs and creates incentives for developers who build affordable units.
But State Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) pointed out it also strips local governments’ limited ability to impose rent control measures.
“I would love to see that provision removed from the bill. If we only have one county who is doing it, because it can only be done in an emergency situation why do we need to remove it at this point?” said Berman.
The one county that has attempted to impose rent control in the past few decades is Orange County, where voters approved a referendum last year.
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It’s currently block by the courts.
In Jacksonville, where rents have skyrocketed nearly 39 percent in the past two years, mayoral candidates weren’t as concerned about potential end of local rent control.
“Tallahassee had already made it virtually impossible for local municipalities to enact rent control, so whether this legislation passes or not, rent control is not a viable solution,” said Democratic candidate Donna Deegan.
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Former State Senator Audrey Gibson, another Democrat running for mayor, had a different perspective.
“Taking away local rent authority is not the answer to this crisis!” said Gibson.
Republican mayoral candidate Councilmember LeAnna Cumber said she hadn’t reviewed the legislation yet, but is opposed to rent control measures.
“No government should be in the business of rent control,” said Cumber.
Senator Calatayud defended the provision, arguing her bill will make housing more affordable in the short and long terms.
“This is a strategy that is sustainable. Rent control is quite the opposite,” said Calatayud.
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