After 105 days of debate, negotiation, and policy-making, the Florida Legislature officially adjourned its 2025 session late in the evening on June 16. Originally scheduled to end in early May, lawmakers extended the session to iron out key budget differences—ultimately delivering a slate of impactful legislation that will benefit property owners, tenants, real estate professionals, and communities statewide.
From housing affordability to storm resilience and tax relief, here are the highlights from this year’s legislative accomplishments:
💧 Over $1.5 Billion Invested in Water Quality & Environmental Projects
Florida lawmakers continued their commitment to environmental restoration and protection by allocating more than $1.5 billion to water-related initiatives. That includes:
- $546 million for Everglades restoration
- $400 million for water quality grants
- $150 million for sea level rise and flood resilience
- $102 million for the Indian River Lagoon
- Additional funds for Biscayne Bay, the C-51 Reservoir, and alternative water supply development.
These investments reflect long-term priorities for both ecological sustainability and quality of life in Florida communities.
🏡 Affordable Housing and First-Time Homebuyers Get a Boost
In response to growing housing challenges, the state budget dedicates $385 million to affordable housing efforts:
- $221.2 million for rental development through the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program
- $163.8 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), supporting down payment and closing cost assistance.
Additionally, the popular Hometown Heroes Housing Program—designed to help essential workers become homeowners—received a fresh $50 million in funding, with updated eligibility criteria set to roll out soon.
🛑 Repeal of Florida’s Business Rent Tax (BRT)
Effective October 1, 2025, Florida will fully eliminate the Business Rent Tax—a long-standing levy on commercial leases. This move is expected to generate approximately $900 million in savings for businesses across the state and marks a significant pro-business policy win.
🌀 Strengthening Storm Resilience with Home Hardening Programs
The My Safe Florida Home Program has received an additional $280 million to help homeowners fortify their properties against hurricanes and severe weather. At the same time, $30 million from last year was reallocated to support condo owners through the My Safe Florida Condominium Program, allowing pre-approved applicants to access their grant funds.
🏢 Greater Transparency in Condominium Transactions
A new law (HB 913) requires condo associations to publish the past 12 months of board meeting minutes online and extends the buyer’s right to cancel a contract to seven days after receiving the governing documents. These updates aim to increase transparency and reduce legal disputes in condo purchases.
📬 Email Notifications Now Allowed Between Landlords and Tenants
With mutual agreement, landlords and tenants may now send official notices via email. The law (HB 615) stipulates that notices are deemed delivered when sent, provided they aren’t returned undelivered. This change helps modernize communication in rental management while protecting both parties with clear documentation requirements.
🚨 Crackdown on Squatting in Commercial and Vacation Properties
Two separate bills (SB 322 and SB 606) give property owners new tools to remove squatters quickly and legally:
- Commercial owners can work directly with sheriffs to evict unlawful occupants.
- Vacation rental operators can classify disruptive guests as trespassers and involve law enforcement for immediate removal.
These changes aim to reduce abuse of tenant protections by those illegally occupying properties.
🌊 Mandatory Flood Risk Disclosure for Tenants and Buyers
Starting October 1, 2025, landlords entering into leases of one year or longer must provide tenants with a standardized flood risk disclosure. Sellers of condos, co-ops, and mobile home park lots must also share this form. These requirements (SB 948) ensure that renters and buyers are informed of potential flood risks before signing.
🏞️ State Parks Get Conservation-Focused Policy Updates
New legislation (HB 209) enhances protection of Florida’s state parks by prioritizing low-impact recreation, restricting harmful development, and placing limits on cabin construction that could harm natural ecosystems. Public engagement timelines were also strengthened to ensure transparency.
🔧 Ending Lookback Periods for Storm Damage Permitting
A reform bill (SB 180) now prohibits local governments from using retroactive “lookback periods” that could stall post-storm recovery efforts. Cities and counties must publish clear online guides for property owners about hurricane permitting and elevation requirements.
⚖️ Other Legislative Actions of Interest
- Zoning for Affordable Housing: SB 1730 expands development rights on land owned by religious institutions and limits local building moratoria on affordable housing.
- My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Expansion: HB 393 adjusts eligibility rules for condo grants, streamlining access and focusing on mitigation measures that reduce insurance premiums.
- Listing Transparency Bill Fails to Advance: HB 805 and SB 1770 sought to require MLS listings to be made public unless sellers opted out. While not passed, it sparked industry conversations around fair access and visibility.
🚫 What Didn’t Make the Cut
A few real estate-related bills failed to pass this year:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): A proposal to require local approval for ADUs in single-family zones was dropped.
- Expanded Mobile Home Assistance: A bill to allow SHIP funds for lot rent support for mobile home residents didn’t move forward.
- Temporary Homestead for Long-Term Leases: A constitutional amendment aimed at creating homestead exemptions for leased properties didn’t pass.
- Rent Increase Restrictions for Subsidized Units: Legislation limiting rent increases on affordable units during active leases failed to advance.
Final Notes
While not every proposed measure crossed the finish line, this year’s legislative session produced sweeping wins for Florida’s housing market, environment, and economy. With several real estate-friendly reforms now headed to the Governor’s desk, professionals and property owners alike should prepare for these updates to take effect between July 1 and October 1, 2025.
For more details about how these changes might affect you or your community, follow your local housing agency, professional association, or legal counsel for implementation guidance.