A new bill known as SB 584, seeks to enhance housing and education accessibility for young adults transitioning out of foster care and those experiencing homelessness. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, requires that colleges and universities prioritize student dorms and apartments for housing and work-study opportunities while simultaneously expanding their access to federal housing programs. If the bill is passed, it will become effective on July 1.
The bill aims to address housing insecurity for vulnerable young adults, particularly those who have been in foster care or are facing financial difficulties due to eviction notices. To achieve this, it mandates that Florida College System institutions and state universities prioritize housing concerns for these students. Schools would also be prohibited from requiring these students to have a co-signer or guarantor for housing applications.
SB 585 would further enhance Florida’s participation in the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative, a federal program that provides housing vouchers to eligible young adults. To support this request, the Florida Department of Children and Families, along with community-based care agencies, would be authorized to assist students in securing residential leases by offering financial guarantees to landlords.
The legislation also authorizes a study on the obstacles to housing access for young adults transitioning out of foster care. According to The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, it will undertake this study and present its findings to the governor and the Legislature by December 2026.
SB 584 is not the only bill in the legislative session that addresses young adult housing support. Another bill, HB 879, focuses on assisting young adults who are homeless or who have previously been in the child welfare system.
Both bills aim to prioritize housing for at-risk students in colleges and universities. However, HB 879 takes a more comprehensive approach by establishing the Fostering Independence Grant Program within the Department of Education. This program would provide financial assistance to eligible students, ensuring that tuition, housing and other living expenses are covered. Furthermore, HB 879 mandates that institutions track and report student retention and graduation rates for grant recipients.
In contrast, SB 584 focuses on housing security and federal assistance programs. HB 879, on the other hand, adopts a broader strategy by integrating financial aid and long-term support. If both bills are passed, they could effectively complement each other in addressing the challenges faced by young adults transitioning out of foster care or homelessness.
While SB 584 aims to provide critical support, It is unclear how many students would qualify for priority housing and whether colleges and state agencies have the resources to accommodate them.
Chris Petley, the spokesman for Leon County Schools, said the school district “does not track legislative bills.” Regarding the bill’s future impact.
Miguel Nevarez, press secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Families, confirmed that “the bill is under review,” but provided no additional details.
The bill’s progress through the Legislature will determine whether these proposed changes become law. If approved, SB 584 could provide thousands of young adults in Florida with greater housing stability and educational opportunities.