2019 Florida Legislature Begins Session

The 2019 legislative session convened Tuesday – for the next 60 days lawmakers will discuss, debate and ultimately vote on a myriad of bills that will change the daily lives of all Floridians.

TALLAHASSEE, FL. – March 6, 2019 – The 2019 legislative session convenes Tuesday – for the next 60 days lawmakers will discuss, debate and ultimately vote on a myriad of bills that will change the daily lives of Floridians from the Panhandle to the Keys.

For Realtors®, the 2019 session holds great promise for success on both new and longstanding legislative priorities.

For starters, protecting Florida's natural resources looks to take center stage this session, with lawmakers focusing on issues like red tide, blue-green algae, Everglades restoration, etc. – issues that resonate with Realtors. Their interest, combined with Gov. Ron DeSantis' recommendation for $625 million in environmental spending, has hopes running high for solutions to Florida's natural resource-related problems.

The governor has also called for full funding of the State and Local Government Housing Trust Funds, something that has not happened in recent memory. Lawmakers appropriate money from the trust funds each year for affordable housing projects, but the past several years have seen some of that money diverted for other budgetary purposes. If full funding occurs, $338.4 million would be available to help with Florida's affordable housing crisis.

Additionally, bills have been introduced that provide remedies for open and expired permits, protect private property rights, stop Assignment of Benefits abuse and allow online remote notaries in Florida.

If successful, each of these bills would help Realtors and the property owners they serve. 

Stay up to date on the progress of these bills, and more, by visiting Florida Realtors' legislative tracker.

This year's legislative session is scheduled to conclude on May 3, 2019.

© 2019 Florida Realtors®. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.