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The 2021 Faa virtual legislative conference
We came, We saw, We conquered...
The 2021 FAA Virtual Legislative Conference!
As the first-ever virtual Legislative Conference held by the Florida Apartment Association (FAA), this year's conference was especially unique. Members from all over the state joined their local affiliates virtually to caucus, discuss, and advocate on behalf of the multifamily apartment industry. Conference veterans and newcomers alike gathered around the Zoom room to meet with their state lawmakers and discuss our 2021 legislative priorities.
Our members came to their meetings poised, professional, and prepared. Ready to discuss and answer questions about complex issues both impacting and important to our industry. We could not be more proud of all of their advocacy efforts.
What are our 2021 Legislative Priorities? 1. Protect and Preserve the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund
A long-time legislative ask, we are urging the Legislature to use all Housing Trust Fund monies for Florida's housing programs, as well as, to provide resources for local rent relief funds. We encourage the Legislature to pass SB 510 (Hooper) and HB 13 (Killebrew) which would prevent the Legislature from diverting any cash balances in the Housing Trust Fund for other purposes.
2. Establish COVID-19 Liability for Housing Providers
The pandemic has presented unprecedented threats of legal liability as housing providers' and other businesses continue to perform essential operations. We encourage the Legislature to pass SB 72 (Brandes) and HB 7 (McClure) to provide reasonable COVID-19 liability protections for businesses, including housing providers.
3. Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
This would give local governments another tool in their toolbox to address the need for affordable housing. Some local governments are unsure of their ability to provide tax incentives for affordable housing based on current statute as written. We encourage the Legislature to pass SB 674 (Rodriguez) and HB 563 (Rodriguez) to give local governments the green light to waive or reduce property taxes for affordable housing.
4. Clarify Fire Radion System Requirements
Florida Statute 633.202 was amended in 2016 to give local government broad discretion to regulate fire radion systems for buildings within their jurisdiction. This has led to implementation inconsistencies and unintended consequences for property owners across the state. We are encouraging the Legislature to pass HB 587 (Snyder) to clarify fire radio system requirements for new and exsisting buildings.
Group A Meeting with Representative David Smith
Picture from Left to Right Chip Tatum, Trinity Kutschinski, Lee Steinhauer, Beverly Duda, Heather Alzate, Maurice Williams, Lori Agudo, Alex Mauro-Ross, Roxanne Connors, Scott Zimmerman, Rep. David Smith
Group C Meeting with Representative Rene Plasencia "Coach P"
Picture from Left to Right Lee Steinhauer, Trinity Kutschinski, Darrin Rohr, Kimberly Maggard, Chip Tatum, James Cornell, Melissa Dugas, Patryce Artis, Rep. Plasencia
Picture from Left to Right Lee Steinhauer, Trinity Kutschinski, Darrin Rhor, James Cornell, Melissa Dugas, Patryce Aris, Rep. Barnaby, Kimblerly Maggard
