As of July 1, nearly 100 new Florida laws have gone into effect. Several of them are game changers for homeowners, investors, landlords, and real estate professionals. These legislative wins, backed by Florida Realtors, focus on affordability, transparency, property rights, and storm preparedness. Below is a breakdown of the new laws that could impact your next move in Florida real estate.
Big Investment in Housing Programs
Florida’s commitment to housing access just got a major boost. Senate Bill 2500 allocates $385 million to affordable housing programs. That includes $163.8 million to SHIP for down payment and closing cost assistance, and $221.2 million to SAIL for developing affordable rental communities.
First-time homebuyers also benefit from an additional $50 million added to the Hometown Heroes Housing Program. This program is designed to help working Floridians, including teachers, nurses, and first responders, afford their first home.
Expanded Protections and Transparency for Condo Buyers
House Bill 913 brings long-overdue transparency to condo transactions. Condo associations must now post board meeting minutes from the past 12 months on their websites. Buyers also now have seven days to cancel a contract after receiving the condo documents. This gives them more time to spot upcoming assessments and avoid post-closing disputes.
Environmental Funding Reaches Record Levels
Florida is putting serious funding behind environmental health. More than $1.5 billion is going toward Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, sea level rise mitigation, and other critical projects. That includes support for Biscayne Bay, Indian River Lagoon, the C-51 Reservoir, and alternative water supply initiatives. These investments protect our environment and also reduce insurance risks over the long term.
Cracking Down on Squatters
Two new bills target squatter-related issues. Senate Bill 606 helps vacation rental owners and hotel operators remove unauthorized guests more easily by clarifying when a stay is temporary and allowing law enforcement to take action. Senate Bill 322 gives commercial property owners a faster process to evict squatters through sheriff complaints. It also increases penalties for property damage and targets fake listings that deceive renters.
Streamlined Communication for Landlords and Tenants
House Bill 615 allows landlords and tenants to send notices by email, as long as both sides agree in writing. Notices are considered delivered when sent, unless returned as undeliverable. Either party can opt out of the agreement at any time with written notice. This update simplifies property management and cuts down on delays.
Storm Recovery and Floodplain Clarity
Senate Bill 180 requires local governments to publish online guides for storm-related permitting. It also prohibits the use of lookback periods that previously penalized homeowners trying to rebuild after damage. These reforms reduce red tape and make it easier to recover from storms.
Preserving State Parks from Overdevelopment
House Bill 209 protects Florida’s parks by banning construction of golf courses, ballfields, and other large-scale developments within park lands. It prioritizes conservation and allows only low-impact uses that don’t harm natural resources. The bill also establishes clear timelines for public input.
More Flexibility for Affordable Housing Development
Senate Bill 1730 expands where affordable housing can be built. It allows religious institutions and planned communities to use land for these projects and prohibits most local governments from freezing development through moratoria. The bill also streamlines zoning and approval processes, making it easier for builders to meet the demand for affordable housing.
Final Thoughts
These new laws reflect some of the most impactful real estate reforms Florida has seen in years. From protecting buyers and landlords to expanding affordable housing and investing in our environment, the changes going into effect this July will shape the future of property ownership and development in our state.
If you’re wondering how these laws affect your situation or want to take advantage of one of the new programs, feel free to reach out.
