Pre-Legislative Session Update

The 2016 Florida legislative session begins in January, and bills are already being filed. The FAA government affairs team has met with several legislators in Tallahassee to discuss FAA legislative priorities and several filed bills that impact our industry.

Among the bills, Rep. Bobby Dubose and Sen. Audrey Gibson have filed bills, HB 237 and SB 342, allowing apartment owners to include an optional lease addendum requiring residents to carry renters' insurance. This bill is important as many residents do not understand that their personal property is not covered by the apartment community where they reside.

Additionally, Rep. Daphne Campbell and Sen. Oscar Braynon have filed bills, HB 53 and 474, which would create criminal penalties for landlords who violate building code or health and safety standards at their communities. The first offense would be a misdemeanor; the second offense would qualify as a felony. Courtney Barnard, FAA’s government affairs director, and lobbyist Kelly Mallette are working hard to combat this legislation.

Another important piece of legislation filed calls for the removal of administrative remedies for housing discrimination claims. The bills HB 339 and SB 7008, filed by Rep. Darryl Rouson and the Senate Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability would allow any resident to file a housing discrimination claim up to two years after the alleged incident, and would allow the resident to file a civil suit against the apartment community without using any state administrative remedies, such as mediation. If passed, this bill could greatly increase the number of civil suits brought against apartment management companies.

If you have any questions regarding FAA legislative priorities, please contact Courtney Barnard, FAA government affairs director, at courtney@faahq.org.