Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo unveils plan to tackle affordable housing ‘crisis’

TALLAHASSEE, Florida. The president of the Florida Senate believes she has a plan to address the state’s affordable housing crisis.

President Kathleen Passidomo, of Naples, introduced a massive 93-page bill on Thursday. It aims to encourage private developers to create more affordable housing so that Florida residents can live close to where they work.

“This is a crisis in our state,” Passidomo said at a morning press conference. “This has become a huge burden for our citizens and residents. This is something we have to deal with.”

Dubbed the Live Local Act, Passidomo’s idea requires an appropriation of more than $800 million. It supports funding for several ongoing housing programs and adds a range of tax credits. One in particular targets existing new restrictions by granting qualifying developments a 75% to 100% tax exemption for each low-cost unit offered.

“These types of programs aren’t just five years away,” said State Senator Alexis Calatayud, of Miami, who is sponsoring the bill. “God willing, as soon as we pass this law, we will begin to accept and implement these processes.”

There are also sales tax rebates on building materials and increased tax credits for businesses donating to local housing projects. In addition, the bill will allow local governments to offer their own property tax relief for affordable housing.

Democrats such as Rep. Anna Escamany, D-Orlando, had initial misgivings.

“It’s a very strong economy,” Escamani said, “that doesn’t always work.”

Escamani believes the bill takes power away from counties and cities, as does removing rent control options. She thinks it also has too little protection for tenants.

“I think it’s ironic that the president of the Senate said it was a market decision,” Escamani said. “No, it’s an enterprise free solution.”

Even with strong Democratic resistance, strong Republican support will likely be enough to get the Living Local Act passed. The Speaker of the House has already voiced his support, stating in statement:

“Florida workers need safe, affordable housing to provide for their families and be one step closer to realizing their version of the American Dream. Living Local is a bold vision to address the affordability and affordability of housing for hard-working Florida residents across the state.” — Florida. This was stated by Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Renner (Paul Renner), R-Palm Coast.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also tentatively endorsed the bill during a press conference in Miami on Thursday.

The bill faces two committee hurdles in the Senate before it hits the floor. A duplicate of the bill has yet to appear in the House of Representatives.