FL H0247

Creates s. 83.471, F.S., authorizing landlords to accept reusable tenant screening reports prepared within the previous 30 days by a consumer reporting agency at the applicant's expense, and prohibiting landlords who accept such reports from charging the applicant an application screening fee or report access fee.

Requires local governments to adopt an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential zones by December 1, 2025, and prohibits such ordinances from requiring owner occupancy of the primary dwelling, increasing parking requirements where a driveway can accommodate an additional vehicle, or requiring replacement parking when converting a garage or carport into an ADU. ADUs are prohibited in areas of critical state concern.

Protects homestead tax exemptions for property owners with ADUs, though rented ADUs must be assessed separately from the homestead property and taxed according to use; removes the prior requirement that ADU building permit applicants submit an affidavit attesting to affordable rental rates.

Authorizes local governments to provide density bonus incentives to landowners who donate real property for affordable housing, including housing affordable for military families receiving the basic allowance for housing.

Directs OPPAGA to evaluate the efficacy of mezzanine finance for stimulating affordable owner-occupied housing construction and the potential of tiny homes for affordable housing, in consultation with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, with a report due to the Legislature by December 31, 2026.