Other Legislation to Watch
HB 891 (Rep. Ponder)/SB 620 (Sen. Broxson): Military Friendly Initiatives
- One of the provisions in the legislation as introduced (HB 891/SB 620) would cap a service member's security deposit and advanced rent to the aggregate amount he/she would otherwise pay in 60 days rent.
How does this legislation impact apartment communities?
- In the event an applicant has poor credit, he/she may be asked to pay a full month's security deposit depending on the property's policies. This amount when combined with the advanced rent payment and/or prorated rent due upon move-in could be in violation of 60-day cap, which would put both the property and the service member with poor credit at risk.
- In light of these concerns, FAA had discussions with the bill sponsors regarding the unintended negative effects of this proposal as introduced.
How has FAA worked to address this concern?
- On March 26, a committee substitute, HB 891 C1, was adopted and passed by the Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.
- FAA is pleased to report, this substitute removed the provision capping the security deposit and advanced rent.
- This legislation passed its final committee, the State Affairs Committee, on April 18 and is now on the House floor.
- The Senate companion bill (SB 620) was referred to the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs and Space; Innovation, Industry, and Technology; and Rules committees.
- FAA was able to secure an amendment for SB 620 to clarify the cap should be based on two months rent (rather than 60 days) and added language that excludes prorated rent from the cap established in this legislation.
- The amended version of SB 620 passed the Innovation, Industry, and Technology Committee on April 10. SB 620 now advances to the Rules Committee, its final committee stop, for further consideration on April 23.
HB 565 (Rep. Williams)/SB 958 (Sen. Rouson): Housing Discrimination
- If enacted, HB 565/SB 958 would amend Florida statute to allow individuals who believe they are victims of housing discrimination to proceed straight to legal remedies, without going through the free administrative complaint process.
How will this legislation impact apartment communities?
- FAA strongly opposes this legislation because it will increase litigation costs for apartment communities with frivolous and unvetted housing discrimination complaints.
How has FAA worked to address this concern?
- HB 565 is awaiting consideration by the Judiciary Committee, which is the bill's final stop before reaching the House floor, for further consideration. We are pleased to report this legislation was not placed on the Judiciary Committee's meeting agenda this week.
- SB 958 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, which is the bill's second committee stop. In order for this legislation to advance to the Senate floor, it will have to pass the Senate Rules Committee as well.
- In light of the industry's serious concerns, FAA is continuing to have ongoing dialogue with legislators in the House and Senate to prevent this legislation from advancing further during the remainder of the 2019 session.
