Amid growing concerns over Florida’s affordable housing crisis, lawmakers have gathered to discuss House Bill 1471, a measure to provide solutions for the state’s housing challenges.
With housing costs rising and many families struggling to find affordable homes, this bill has sparked a renewed conversation about how the state can address the needs of low- and middle-income residents.
Sponsored by Rep. Jennifer “Rita” Harris, D-Orlando, House Bill 1471 is designed to reform the state’s land bank system to help increase the availability of affordable housing. The bill would require land banks to sell properties acquired through foreclosure to qualified developers within three years to convert these properties into homes for low- and very-low-income families.
If the properties are not sold within this timeframe, they will revert to the original taxing authorities, who could repurpose them for alternative uses in the community.
The bill also imposes a cap on the number of properties any developer can hold to prevent developers from hoarding properties. Developers would be limited to owning no more than three times the average number of homes they’ve built in the past two years, ensuring that properties are being actively developed for housing rather than left dormant.
The bill also includes a provision allowing land banks to reclaim properties from developers who fail to meet their obligations.
While some lawmakers and housing experts view the bill as a critical step forward, it has also faced pushback. Critics argue that the three-year deadline may be too restrictive, potentially discouraging developers from pursuing innovative projects.
Others question whether the bill adequately addresses the root causes of the housing crisis, such as high construction costs and restrictive zoning laws that limit development opportunities.
Supporters, however, believe that HB 1471 offers a much-needed solution to Florida’s housing shortage.
Urban development experts have praised the bill for its potential to revitalize struggling communities and provide affordable housing options to those who need them most.
By incentivizing developers to focus on affordable housing, the bill could help ensure a more equitable distribution of resources across the state.
Rep. Harris has been vocal about the bill’s significance, emphasizing its focus on people rather than policies. “It’s about hardworking families, first-time buyers, and those who deserve a fair shot at safe, secure, and attainable housing,” she said during a March 23 press conference.
“This bill is a step toward fairness, stability, and creating opportunities for those who need them the most.”
The bill is currently under review by the State Affairs Committee, and its future remains uncertain. If it is passed, HB 1471 would take effect on July 1, potentially reshaping the housing landscape in Florida for years to come.
The legislation is closely tied to Senate Bill 1592, which mirrors the provisions of HB 1471. Both bills aim to tackle the state’s housing crisis by encouraging responsible development and expanding access to affordable housing. For Florida residents like Maria Vasquez, the need for action is personal. A single mother of two from Miami, Vasquez shared her challenges in finding affordable housing.
“Every month, I’m just trying to keep up with bills. It’s been so hard to find somewhere that we can afford. I don’t want my kids to have to grow up in a place that’s too small or unsafe, but right now, that feels like our only option,” she said.
Similarly, John Carter, a father of three from Tampa, expressed frustration with the rising rent costs. “I’m working long hours, but the rent keeps going up. I don’t know how much longer we can make it. I’m just trying to provide a stable home for my family, but it’s getting impossible,” Carter said.
“These policies are about real people,” Vasquez added. “If this bill passes, it might just give families like mine a real chance of getting a home for ourselves; I feel like my children deserve that; they’re terrific kids.”