- 1131 N Paul Russell Road, B-201 | Tallahassee, FL 32301
July 18, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the release of several new and updated publications aimed at enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of affordable housing providers, local government staff, and other stakeholders. These resources, developed in partnership with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), reflect our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive, actionable information to support the development and sustainability of affordable housing in Florida.
The Affordable Housing Resource Guide is a critical tool for affordable housing providers, local government administrators, and other professionals dedicated to addressing the housing needs of low-income Floridians. This updated guide offers a quick reference to a wide array of funding resources suitable for homeownership, rental rehabilitation, and development, including special needs housing and energy retrofit funds.
Organized into three main sections—Funding Resources for Homeownership, Rental Housing, and Rental Assistance—this guide covers public and private sources at local, state, and federal levels. Each entry provides a concise description of the program, eligible applicants, types of housing supported, and the administering organizations. This guide is particularly valuable for nonprofit organizations, offering insights into funding sources like the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), Predevelopment Loan Program (PLP), and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
We are excited to introduce the Florida’s Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemptions guide, summarizing the six available property tax exemptions under Florida law. With four new exemptions enacted in the past two legislative sessions, this guide is a timely resource for property owners and affordable housing developers looking to maximize their financial resources.
The exemptions are detailed according to the titles provided by the Florida Department of Revenue, ensuring that users have the most up-to-date and accurate information. This guide will help property owners navigate the application process using Form DR-504AFH, enabling them to benefit from these crucial tax incentives.
The updated Using SHIP for Rental Housing guide provides essential information for leveraging SHIP funds to support rental housing development. Given the high housing costs and the significant number of low-income households facing housing instability in Florida, this guide is an invaluable resource for SHIP administrators and local government officials.
While 65% of SHIP funds are dedicated to homeownership programs, up to 25% can be used for rental assistance, rehabilitation, and construction. This guide offers strategic insights into how SHIP can be used to fill funding gaps, prevent homelessness, support disaster recovery efforts, and serve as a local government contribution for Low Income Housing Tax Credit applications.
Our new publication, Public Land for Affordable Housing: A Guidebook for Deploying Public Resources for Public Good, is designed for local government staff and elected officials involved in land use decisions. This guidebook provides actionable strategies for identifying and utilizing publicly owned land for affordable housing purposes.
With a focus on assessing the suitability of public land and navigating the process considerations, this guidebook helps the public sector and affordable housing professionals deploy appropriate parcels as safe, sanitary, and affordable places to live. Tailored to the context of Florida communities, this resource also offers insights applicable to broader geographic areas.
These publications are made possible through our partnership with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, whose support and collaboration have been instrumental in their development. FHFC’s commitment to fostering affordable housing solutions in Florida is reflected in the comprehensive, practical resources we are proud to offer.
We invite all members of the Florida Housing Coalition to explore these new and updated publications. They are designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of affordable housing development and management. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, these resources will provide valuable guidance and support your efforts to create and sustain affordable housing for Floridians in need.
Stay tuned for further updates and announcements, and thank you for your continued dedication to affordable housing.
Have questions or need further assistance? Our team at the Florida Housing Coalition is here to help. Join our forums, participate in our workshops, and engage with fellow members to share insights and experiences.
Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities through well-planned and executed affordable housing developments. Let’s make the most of these new resources and continue to innovate and lead in the affordable housing sector.
Stay tuned for more updates and resources from the Florida Housing Coalition. We are committed to supporting your journey towards creating sustainable and affordable housing for all.
