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 the 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.
- The amended version, which does not include the security deposit cap, is now awaiting a vote on the House floor.
- FAA was able to secure an amendment for SB 620 when the bill was before the Innovation, Industry, and Technology Committee on April 10 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.
- FAA is pleased to report that while SB 620 was awaiting a vote on the Senate Floor, Sen. Broxson offered an amendment which stripped the security deposit cap from the bill.
- The amended version of SB 620, which does not include the security deposit cap, passed the Senate today by a 39-0 vote.
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.
- HB 565 is currently in the House Judiciary Committee, which is the bill's final committee stop.
- SB 958 is currently in the Senate Governmental Oversight Committee, which is the bill's second committee stop.
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?
- In light of the industry's serious concerns, FAA communicated with legislators in the House and Senate to prevent this legislation from advancing further during the remainder of the 2019 session.
- The last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings was April 23. Therefore, it is unlikely that these bills will see any further action during the 2019 session.
