Andrew Powell
A pair of bills that sought to tackle Florida’s ongoing affordable housing crisis did not make it through the Legislative Session.
Pensacola Republican Sen. Don Gaetz sponsored the measure (SB 184) that would have required local governments to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as “granny flats” or “carriage houses,” onto a single-family residence.
A similar House companion bill (HB 247) sponsored by Lakewood Ranch Republican Rep. Bill Conerly and Miami Beach Republican Rep. Fabian Basabe was approved by the House.
During the bill’s passage through the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development, Gaetz told the members the measure was styled as an affordable housing bill but could also be used as a private property rights bill.
“Through the Live Local Act, the state has taken significant steps to address the affordable housing and workforce housing needs,” Gaetz told the committee.
“This bill takes another step. As an affirmation of property rights, this bill requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units or ADUs in any areas zoned for single family residential use but does not apply, and specifically exempts, planned unit developments or master planned communities.”
ADUs are self-contained dwellings located on the same property as a primary residence. Often these dwellings are used to house family members, renters or caretakers.
An amendment made in the House allowing renters to apply for multiple homes using a single application, however, left the measure in a stalemate before dying when both chambers adjourned May 2.
Ocala Republican Sen. Stan McClain sponsored another measure (SB 1594) that would have created a tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic properties used as affordable housing.
The bill would have further expanded existing housing tax exemptions for adaptive reuse projects that turn non-residential properties into affordable housing. A housing tax credit program created in 1999 would have also been expanded to allow projects dedicated to low-income residents.
The bill died in committee. A similar House companion bill (HB 923) sponsored by Miami Republican Rep. Vicki Lopez also died after it was not heard before any committees it was assigned to.
