Another week, another important update for the Sadowski Coalition and Sadowski Affiliates as we move deeper into Florida’s 2025 legislative session. The March 14th Friday Sadowski Webinar provided the latest on housing appropriations, key bills, and what’s ahead as decisions unfold in Tallahassee.

Housing Budget: Where Things Stand

Budget discussions continue, and funding for SHIP and SAIL remains a central focus. The House and Senate are close on SHIP, with proposals of $178.5 million and $174 million, respectively. SAIL funding varies more, with the Governor recommending $227.6 million, the House proposing $150 million, and the Senate offering $84 million in non-recurring funds.

Beyond the core housing programs, other funding priorities include:

1. Hometown Heroes Program – $100 million in both the House and Senate budgets
2. My Safe Florida Home – Senate includes up to $200 million under SB 7028
3. Homeless Programs – $32.4 million in the House, $42.4 million in the Senate
4. Housing Member Projects – Senate proposes $30.3 million

Decisions are still in motion, and advocacy remains critical to ensure full funding for Florida’s housing programs.

Housing Bills to Watch

Several key bills that impact housing affordability and development are making progress.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – SB 184 / HB 247

These bills propose changes to expand ADU opportunities across the state. If passed, local governments would be required to allow ADUs in single-family-zoned areas (except PUDs), and homeowners would be able to rent them out without losing their homestead exemption. The bills also prohibit extra parking requirements and restrict short-term rentals of ADUs to a minimum of one month.

Rural Housing Assistance – SB 110 / HB 1427

Small counties could see an increase in SHIP funding, with the minimum allocation rising from $350,000 to $1 million. The bill also provides $30 million for preserving affordable multifamily housing in rural communities. SB 110 has passed its final committee stop, while HB 1427 is awaiting further action.

Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) – HB 991 / SB 1242

These bills outline a phased approach to CRA changes, prohibiting new CRA projects or debt issuance after October 1, 2025, while also preventing the creation of new CRAs after July 1, 2025. Existing CRAs would close by September 30, 2045.

Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemptions – HB 923 / SB 1594

These bills focus on expanding property tax exemptions for affordable housing, including extending exemptions to government-owned land used for affordable housing projects.

Housing & Land Use Reform – HB 943 / SB 1730

These bills take a broad approach to streamlining zoning and permitting for affordable housing, ensuring projects move forward more efficiently. They address land use flexibility, prevent housing moratoriums, and reduce permitting delays that could slow housing development.

What’s Next?

With the session moving quickly, now is the time to stay engaged and take action. The Sadowski Coalition and Affiliates will continue working to ensure that all housing trust fund dollars are fully allocated to SHIP and SAIL, and that housing-friendly policies continue to advance.

1. Budget negotiations are still in progress – advocating for full housing trust fund allocations is a priority.
2. Key bills are moving forward – tracking their progress and engaging with legislators will be crucial.
3. Advocacy efforts should be shared – reporting meetings and outreach helps shape statewide strategy.

Our Next Webinar: March 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM

The next Friday Sadowski Webinar will provide real-time updates on budget appropriations and housing legislation as session moves forward.