Florida’s 2025 legislative session has concluded with significant changes to real estate laws, hailed by the Florida Association of Realtors as a "major victory" for property owners. New legislation and funding initiatives aim to boost homeownership, fortify properties against natural disasters, and provide relief to businesses and property owners dealing with unlawful occupants.
Key Legislative Wins for Property Owners
- Down-Payment Assistance: A $50 million allocation will support down-payment assistance programs for essential workers, including teachers and first responders, to facilitate homeownership.
- Property Fortification: The My Safe Florida Home Program received an additional $280 million to help homeowners strengthen their properties against hurricanes and other storms.
- Business Rent Tax Repeal: The repeal of the Business Rent Tax is projected to save Florida businesses over $900 million, a move supported by Republican lawmakers who believe it will foster corporate growth and prosperity.
- Squatter Protections: New laws enable quicker legal action for property owners to remove unlawful occupants, particularly in commercial and vacation rentals. This addresses a significant concern for owners like Josh Bradley, who noted the financial burden squatters impose.
Addressing Housing Challenges
Florida realtor Jack Cleary emphasized the importance of supporting both supply and demand in the housing market, stating, "We only have so many buyers in the pool and we have a lot of inventory." The new measures are designed to stimulate both aspects.
Increased Transparency and Disclosures
Additional legislation passed during the session includes:
- Flood Risk Disclosures: Long-term renters will now receive better flood risk disclosures.
- Mobile Home Park Transparency: Increased transparency regarding mobile home park lot conditions.
Criticisms and Unaddressed Issues
Despite the positive reception from some, not all lawmakers are satisfied. Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orange County) voiced concerns that the session did not adequately address broader housing issues, stating, "Housing affordability is a major crisis right now. Property insurance is out of control. And the reality is that this session did not deliver on any of those problems."
Looking Ahead
The new laws, which took effect on July 1, 2025, are expected to significantly reshape Florida’s real estate landscape. While proponents celebrate the gains for property owners and businesses, critics highlight the ongoing need to tackle persistent challenges in housing affordability and property insurance.
Sources
- New Florida laws will impact property owners: Here’s what to know, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- New Florida real estate laws hailed as ‘major victory’ for property owners, MPA Mag.