Rising Rents

The quarter-one report is the first update since council members approved the housing budget for fiscal year 2023.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury announced the reallocation of $690 million in unused rental assistance funds to communities in the greatest need.

The Florida Housing Coalition documented the progress and challenges to creating more affordable housing in Florida in its annual report.

The Florida statute governing rent control originated from an initial court battle between the city of Miami Beach and real-estate tycoons in the 1970s.

The Florida Association of Realtors and Florida Apartment Association filed suit this week against Orange County in state court.

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.

Half of the former Marriott hotel rooms are available to rent as studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Another 88 units are expected to become available by the end of the year.

The Tampa Bay Community Action Committee plans to present a budget ordinance to the city council that would reallocate monies from the general fund and American Rescue Plan dollars toward affordable housing assistance.

To qualify, city employees must be hired on a full-time basis, hold a position with a residency requirement and earn no more than $48,000 a year.

For eligible homebuyers, the Hometown Heroes program can offer up to $25,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance.

Almost half of all callers, or 370 people, were seeking rental assistance. Another quarter of callers, or 214 people, called for help finding an affordable rental unit or home to purchase.