CS for SB 1534 - Housing Assistance

• Increases the "service provider" fee threshold from $25,000 to $35,000 in aggregate annual fees to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

• Authorizes the corporation to forgive indebtedness for loans creating permanent rental housing for homeless persons in counties or rural areas lacking such units, supported by local homeless continuum of care plans.

• Reserves a minimum of 5 percent of annual State Housing Trust Fund appropriations as forgivable loans for housing projects serving persons with disabling conditions, prioritizing those with developmental disabilities.

• Requires State Apartment Incentive Loan Program funds be made available through competitive solicitation and removes the previous 3-year distribution period requirement.

• Establishes Rapid ReHousing as a component of local homeless assistance continuum of care plans, using temporary financial assistance and case management to quickly move homeless individuals and families into permanent housing.

• Requires State Office on Homelessness to develop statewide consolidated inventory and data collection system for homeless programs in consultation with lead agencies and Council on Homelessness.

• Modifies Challenge Grants to require distribution based on lead agency performance and achievement of specified objectives rather than population-based allocation.

• Authorizes local governments to create regional partnerships pooling funds to address homeless housing needs and allows up to 25 percent of local housing distribution funds for rental housing for eligible persons.