SB 1658 Summary: Keep Floridians Housed Act

• Creates the Department of Housing and Tenant Rights with a governor-appointed, senate-confirmed secretary to address affordable housing, homelessness, and landlord-tenant relations; requires a report on empty homes tax by January 1, 2024.

• Requires landlords to provide 60 days' notice (or 3 months if rent increase exceeds 5%) before rent increases, with an option for tenants to request mediation on increases over 5%; caps security deposits at 1 month's rent and allows payment in installments.

• Establishes tenant protections including right of first refusal to purchase dwelling units before sale, prohibition on eviction during gubernatorial emergencies, protection from eviction due to domestic/dating/sexual violence or stalking, and right to terminate rental agreements without penalty in violence situations.

• Specifies good-cause requirements for landlord termination of rental agreements and requires landlords to provide pregnant tenants or those with minor children at least 3 months to vacate before eviction proceedings; allows defendants in eviction cases to seal records under certain conditions.

• Imposes new documentary stamp tax of $100 per $100 of consideration on residential property transfers to private equity firms with at least $20 million in assets, with revenue directed to Florida Affordable Housing Trust Fund.