summary
Introduced
01/09/2026
01/09/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to housing for veterans; creating s. 83.684, F.S.; providing a short title; defining terms; establishing the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in certain counties, subject to legislative appropriation; requiring the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, in consultation with other entities and persons, to establish and oversee specified aspects of the pilot program; providing the responsibilities of the corporation for the pilot program; requiring contracted program administrators to maintain certain functions of the pilot program; authorizing certain landlords to apply to a contracted program administrator to request funding from the Vacancy Relief and Risk Mitigation Trust Fund under certain circumstances; providing the purpose of such trust fund; requiring a landlord to submit to the contracted program administrator required documentation within a specified time period to apply for the trust fund; requiring certain case managers to assist the contracted program administrator; requiring the contracted program administrator to maintain and provide certain documentation to the corporation; requiring the entity responsible for certain functions to maintain any supporting documentation; authorizing the corporation to rely on certifications, determinations, and documentation provided by specified entities; authorizing a landlord to apply for up to a specified dollar amount from the trust fund; providing requirements to apply for the trust fund; providing that funding for the pilot program is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; authorizing the corporation to suspend the acceptance of applications under certain circumstances; requiring specified notice; requiring the corporation to adopt rules; providing a contingent effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the "Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program" in Broward, Escambia, Hillsborough, and Santa Rosa Counties, designed to incentivize landlords to rent to veterans participating in the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, which combines housing vouchers with case management from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Corporation) will oversee the program, including a Vacancy Relief and Risk Mitigation Trust Fund, and will contract with local entities to administer funds and verify claims. Landlords can apply to this trust fund for compensation if a dwelling unit remains vacant for up to 45 days while a veteran prepares to move in, or for property damage exceeding a security deposit, up to $2,000, provided they previously applied for vacancy relief. The program is contingent on legislative funding and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with the Corporation authorized to suspend applications when funds are exhausted.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (2)
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development (Senate), Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security (Senate)
Last Action
Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute) (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
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