Bill Seeks to Expand Access to Affordable Housing

HB 943, sponsored by Representative Vicky Lopez (R-Miami-Dade), aims to increase affordable housing across the state by requiring that county and municipal governments approve multi-family and mixed-use developments in residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed zones, so long as these developments set aside at least 40% of their housing units for affordable housing for at least 30 years. The bill also contains provisions that would make it easier for ministries of the Church to develop such housing. The Senate companion bill, SB 1730, sponsored by Senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami-Dade), is more limited in scope and does not at present contain the ministry provisions. HB 943 was voted up in its first committee (14-1), Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee, where FCCB staff indicated support for the bill. SB 1730 will be heard in its first committee, Community Affairs, on Monday, March 31.

Catholic dioceses in Florida are already engaged in using available land to offer housing to low-income Floridians. Read about examples from the Diocese of Orlando here.

Monday, March 31.

Catholic dioceses in Florida are already engaged in using available land to offer housing to low-income Floridians. Read about examples from the Diocese of Orlando here.