FAA Session Update and Other News

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First, thanks to the 130-plus dedicated FAA members who attended Legislative Days in March! Your efforts on FAA’s behalf are invaluable to our organization and crucial to the success of our advocacy goals.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks since we were in Tallahassee and many things have transpired. You can link to the most recent recap from our lobbying team, Ron Book and Kelly Mallette, by clicking here. There are a few items you should pay special attention to in the recap, including FAA’s priority legislation Service of Process/Writ of Possession, 45-Day Rule and Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

•  Writ Bill – In all likelihood our Writ Bill will not pass during this legislative session. That said, whether it passes or not, the bill has served a purpose.  We have received reports from south Florida that the process has already been sped up dramatically just with the renewed focus on the issue.

•  45- Day Rule – There is a possibility that we will be able to make an important fix to the current law that would extend the length of time certain categories of affordable housing have to file an eviction for a cause other than non-payment.  Currently, they have 45-days from the time an incident occurs...NOT from when they find out about it. More information is forthcoming.

•  Affordable Housing Trust Fund – We were alerted by senate staff that the legislature (both chambers) have proposed consolidating multiple trust funds into one large Economic Development Fund. One such trust fund is the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund (SHIP/SAIL). We are working with other entities and the legislature to fight this measure, but it will not be easy.  Stay tuned for more information.

In closing, be on the lookout for more information on issues that FAA may take up during the next legislative session. Your feedback and ideas are important to us so please feel free to contact me at any time about legislative issues impacting you.

Chip Tatum

FAA Government Affairs Director

Office (direct): 407-599-0679

Cell: 321-277-8401