The 5th interim committee week of the 2023 legislative session has come to a close. In addition to the normal committee proceedings, the legislature was also convened in a special session relating to immigration, hurricane recovery, and special districts. With the special session ongoing, the legislative committees were still able to pass through multiple pieces of legislation not pertaining to the special session.

On Wednesday, the Senate Community Affairs Committee, Chaired by Senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami), passed 2 bills supported by AIF. Senator Calatayud’ s SB 102 regarding affordable housing and SB 170 by Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) relating to local ordinances. AIF stood in favor of both bills.

SB 102- Relating to Housing

On Wednesday, February 8th, SB 102 by Senator Calatayud (R-Miami) was heard by the Senate Community Affairs Committee and was reported favorably with 9 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs Adam Basford stood in support of this legislation.

This bill seeks to address Florida’s backlog of affordable and attainable workforce housing in the state. SB 102 will not only maintain the high level of funding for Florida’s SHIP and SAIL programs, but it will provide additional funding for SAIL and work to increase attainable and affordable housing options for Floridians throughout the state. SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) and SAIL (State Apartment Incentive Loan) both provide long-term, sustainable access to affordable housing.

SB 102 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation which allows for continued and more reliable access to affordable housing in underdeveloped communities. These proposals create jobs and broaden the economic impact of communities with historically low economic returns.

SB 170 - Relating to Local Ordinances

On Wednesday, February 8th, SB 170 by Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) was heard in the Senate Community Affairs Committee and was reported favorable with 7 yeas and 2 nays. AIF’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs Adam Basford stood in support of this legislation.

SB 170 is a bill that would require counties and cities to prepare business impact statements for official review before a proposed ordinance can take effect. This is vital to securing a more free-market, business friendly, environment so businesses are protected from unnecessary, burdensome regulations. Additionally, this legislation requires a county or city to suspend an ordinance that is pending authorization by a court of law.

SB 170 will now go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation which holds local governments accountable for the actions they take that can have a negative impact on businesses in their jurisdiction.