June 7, 2024
Public Policy Update
Hello everyone. Well, we’re getting into crunch time now in terms of the remaining bills that have yet to be signed, including next fiscal year’s budget. The word on the street though, is that Gov. DeSantis plans to tackle the budget soon, which will include any line-item vetoes he plans to issue.
In fact, the governor was at an event in Fort Myers on Wednesday where he stated he will “bring (the budget) in for landing very soon.” For context on when this might happen, the governor signed the current fiscal year budget on June 15, 2023.
He also said that many lawmakers aren’t “going to be happy with everything,” as his office considers items that he could veto in the $117.46 billion budget. But the governor added, “I think people will be very pleased with the final result of what we do.”
In terms of our budget priorities, we feel very good about their standing since the governor has supported them every year since he took office. These include $100 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, $408 million for state and local affordable housing programs, $200 million for the My Safe Florida Home Program, $30 million for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program and $1.2 billion for water quality and environmental projects.
Stay tuned for more information and hopefully some good news once the budget is finally signed.
Public Policy Office Participates in Live Local Act Panel
Our very own Murphy Kennedy Giering was invited to participate on a Live Local Act panel yesterday over in the Daytona Beach area. The panel was put together by the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors and the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce as a way to educate the public about the Live Local Act and to update citizens on what the law’s implementation may look like in Volusia County.
Murphy did a fantastic job of helping to balance out the conversation and remind folks that we are still very early in the implementation of this comprehensive new law, which went into effect last year. Here’s a direct quote from Murphy on the subject:
"Live Local was passed as an emergency measure to address Florida's affordable housing crisis. We also know that it takes on average three years for an affordable housing development to go through the zoning, the approvals, construction, to finally get those units online."
Murphy also used the opportunity to explain how the Live Local Act also helps the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, which provides funds to help with down payments and closing costs for first-time, income-qualified homebuyers. Since the program’s creation, more than 15,000 Florida families have been able to achieve the dream of homeownership.
She added, "These are phenomenal accomplishments. And really, that we're talking about affordable housing solutions, I think for the first time in many years in a realistic way, means that this is an accomplishment of the Live Local Act."
Homegrown Advocacy Tour Continues
We had two great Homegrown Advocacy Tour stops this week. Our first stop was in Santa Rosa Beach to visit with District 9 members and featured Florida Realtors President Gia Arvin, your public policy team, Sen. Jay Trumbull and Rep. Patt Maney. President Gia and the team then headed over to Tallahassee for a District 8 visit that featured CFO Jimmy Patronis and Rep. Allison Tant.
Many thanks to all our elected officials who joined us for these visits and to our members for coming out to share their ideas and feedback. Our last tour visit is scheduled for June 11th in Islamorada for District 4. The events are free so if you are in the area please consider joining us.
NAR Releases New Guide on Buyer Agreements
NAR has developed a new guide on written buyer agreements to support members as they prepare for and adapt to the upcoming practice changes following NAR's settlement agreement. Beginning Aug. 17, a buyer representative working with a buyer will be required to enter into a written agreement with the buyer prior to touring a home, including both in-person and live virtual tours. More information is available at NAR’s settlement website. Florida Realtors also has a settlement information page that you can access here.
Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of the Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday
Floridians are urged to take advantage of the 14-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparation supplies that runs through June 14. They are also encouraged to have a plan in place for their families if disaster strikes their area and to put together a disaster readiness kit at home.
During the holiday, many disaster preparation items can be purchased tax-free, including:
- Water
- Shelf-stable canned food
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Reusable ice
- Pet items
- Toys
- Portable power banks and more
Other important items that are tax-free include:
- Portable generators
- Tarps or other waterproof sheeting
- Smoke detectors and alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Portable radios less than $50
Don’t Miss Out on Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to take advantage of the Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption before it ends on June 30, 2024. This initiative established a two-year sales tax exemption on the retail sales of items like impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors. Overall, the Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption program has saved homeowners an estimated $462 million during the course of the exemption period.
For more information on the Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption, click here.
Please reach out to us at publicpolicy@floridarealtors.org with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Andy Gonzalez
Vice President of Public Policy
Florida Realtors®