Rent Control

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill that will lead to state law overriding local regulations involving landlords and tenants.

Community organizers are worried the two housing bills — HB 1417 and HB 133— will harm renters.

Sadaf Knight, Florida Policy Institute's CEO, says the Live Local Act is a step in the right direction, but more still needs to be done to address affordable housing.

The St. Petersburg City Council withdrew a resolution to put a rent stabilization proposal on the ballot in November. Council members also failed to pass a motion to reconsider the measure next year.

Council members voted to draft a resolution declaring a "housing emergency" in the city, the first step toward putting the issue of rent control to voters.

The permit, filed by the People’s Council of St. Petersburg, comes as the group pushes the city to put affordable housing options.