The statutory goal of Florida’s state housing strategy is to ensure that every Floridian has “safe, decent, and affordable housing.” Housing is considered affordable if it costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross annual income, and households are considered cost burdened if housing costs exceed 30% of a household’s gross annual income. States and the federal government use household income to define low-income status and resulting eligibility for housing assistance programs. Florida has a high share of cost-burdened renters and homeowners relative to other states.
In addition to administering federal programs, states use federal and state funds to implement housing programs. In Florida, the Florida Department of Commerce and Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) administer federal housing programs. FHFC also administers state-funded rental housing, homeownership programs, and funds to local governments to produce and preserve affordable housing. Recent state housing legislation across the United States, including Florida’s Live Local Act, was largely related to developing affordable housing.
OPPAGA reviewed 1,046 housing programs and surveyed housing agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Using feedback from FHFC, some national housing experts, and housing program staff from other states, OPPAGA identified 13 innovative housing programs in other states that do not duplicate Florida or federal programs. Most of these programs were related to homeownership or community revitalization and zoning to support affordable housing development. Information on effectiveness for innovative programs is limited and varies by program type. FHFC provided information on potential barriers or challenges, statutory impediments, cost drivers, and impacts to local governments for these programs. Of the innovative programs identified, three may have high potential for implementation in Florida.
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