State housing strategy.

(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—It is the intent of this act to articulate a state housing strategy that will carry the state toward the goal of ensuring that each Floridian has safe, decent, and affordable housing. This strategy must involve state and local governments working in partnership with communities and the private sector and must involve financial, as well as regulatory, commitment to accomplish this goal.

(2) POLICIES.—

(a) Housing production and rehabilitation programs.—Programs to encourage housing production or rehabilitation must be guided by the following general policies, as appropriate for the purpose of the specific program:

1. State and local governments shall provide incentives to encourage the private sector to be the primary delivery vehicle for the development of affordable housing. When possible, state funds should be heavily leveraged to achieve the maximum federal, local, and private commitment of funds and be used to ensure long-term affordability. To the maximum extent possible, state funds should be expended to create new housing stock and be used for repayable loans rather than grants. Local incentives to stimulate private sector development of affordable housing may include establishment of density bonus incentives.

2. State and local governments should consider and implement innovative solutions to housing issues where appropriate. Innovative solutions include, but are not limited to:

a. Utilizing publicly held land to develop affordable housing through state or local land purchases, long-term land leasing, and school district affordable housing programs. To the maximum extent possible, state-owned lands that are appropriate for the development of affordable housing must be made available for that purpose.

b. Community-led planning that focuses on urban infill, flexible zoning, redevelopment of commercial property into mixed-use property, resiliency, and furthering development in areas with preexisting public services, such as wastewater, transit, and schools.

c. Project features that maximize efficiency in land and resource use, such as high density, high rise, and mixed use.

d. Mixed-income projects that facilitate more diverse and successful communities.

e. Modern housing concepts such as manufactured homes, tiny homes, 3D-printed homes, and accessory dwelling units.

3. State funds should be available only to local governments that provide incentives or financial assistance for housing. State funding for housing should not be made available to local governments whose comprehensive plans have been found not in compliance with chapter 163 and who have not entered into a stipulated settlement agreement with the department to bring the plans into compliance. State funds should be made available only for projects consistent with the local government’s comprehensive plan.

4. Local governments are encouraged to enter into interlocal agreements, as appropriate, to coordinate strategies and maximize the use of state and local funds.

5. State-funded development should emphasize use of developed land, urban infill, and the transformation of existing infrastructure in order to minimize sprawl, separation of housing from employment, and effects of increased housing on ecological preservation areas. Housing available to the state’s workforce should prioritize proximity to employment and services.

(b) Public-private partnerships.—Cost-effective public-private partnerships must emphasize production and preservation of affordable housing.

1. Data must be developed and maintained on the affordable housing activities of local governments, community-based organizations, and private developers.

2. The state shall assist local governments and community-based organizations by providing training and technical assistance.

3. In coordination with local activities and with federal initiatives, the state shall provide incentives for public sector and private sector development of affordable housing.

(c) Preservation of housing stock.—The existing stock of affordable housing must be preserved and improved through rehabilitation programs and expanded neighborhood revitalization efforts to promote suitable living environments for individuals and families.

(d) Unique housing needs.—The wide range of need for safe, decent, and affordable housing must be addressed, with an emphasis on assisting the neediest persons.

1. State housing programs must promote the self-sufficiency and economic dignity of the people of this state, including elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

2. The housing requirements of special needs populations must be addressed through programs that promote a range of housing options bolstering integration with the community.

3. All housing initiatives and programs must be nondiscriminatory.

4. The geographic distribution of resources must provide for the development of housing in rural and urban areas.

5. The important contribution of public housing to the well-being of citizens in need shall be acknowledged through efforts to continue and bolster existing programs. State and local government funds allocated to enhance public housing must be used to supplement, not supplant, federal support.

(3) IMPLEMENTATION.—The state, in carrying out the strategy articulated in this section, shall have the following duties:

(a) State fiscal resources must be directed to achieve the following programmatic objectives:

1. Effective technical assistance and capacity-building programs must be established at the state and local levels.

2. The Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida shall develop and maintain statewide data on housing needs and production, provide technical assistance relating to real estate development and finance, operate an information clearinghouse on housing programs, and coordinate state housing initiatives with local government and federal programs.

3. The corporation shall maintain a consumer-focused website for connecting tenants with affordable housing.

(b) The long-range program plan of the department must include specific goals, objectives, and strategies that implement the housing policies in this section.

(c) The Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida, in consultation with the department and the corporation, shall perform functions related to the research and planning for affordable housing. Functions must include quantifying affordable housing needs, documenting results of programs administered, and inventorying the supply of affordable housing units made available in this state. The recommendations required in this section and a report of any programmatic modifications made as a result of these policies must be included in the housing report required by s. 420.6075. The report must identify the needs of specific populations, including, but not limited to, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and persons with special needs, and may recommend statutory modifications when appropriate.

(d) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) shall evaluate affordable housing issues pursuant to the schedule set forth in this paragraph. OPPAGA may coordinate with and rely upon the expertise and research activities of the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies in conducting the evaluations. The analysis may include relevant reports prepared by the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, the department, the corporation, and the provider of the Affordable Housing Catalyst Program; interviews with the agencies, providers, offices, developers, and other organizations related to the development and provision of affordable housing at the state and local levels; and any other relevant data. When appropriate, each report must recommend policy and statutory modifications for consideration by the Legislature. Each report must be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to the schedule. OPPAGA shall review and evaluate:

1. By December 15, 2023, and every 5 years thereafter, innovative affordable housing strategies implemented by other states, their effectiveness, and their potential for implementation in this state.

2. By December 15, 2024, and every 5 years thereafter, affordable housing policies enacted by local governments, their effectiveness, and which policies constitute best practices for replication across this state. The report must include a review and evaluation of the extent to which interlocal cooperation is used, effective, or hampered.

3. By December 15, 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, existing state-level housing rehabilitation, production, preservation, and finance programs to determine their consistency with relevant policies in this section and effectiveness in providing affordable housing. The report must also include an evaluation of the degree of coordination between housing programs of this state, and between state, federal, and local housing activities, and shall recommend improved program linkages when appropriate.

(e) The department and the corporation should conform the administrative rules for each housing program to the policies stated in this section, provided that such changes in the rules are consistent with the statutory intent or requirements for the program. This authority applies only to programs offering loans, grants, or tax credits and only to the extent that state policies are consistent with applicable federal requirements.