Cortes files bill to increase affordable housing options

Representative Bob Cortes today announced that he has filed House Bill 987, which will promote greater availability of affordable housing options in Florida. The bill will enact several state and local government policy changes to streamline the permitting process required for projects to get off the ground, waive impact fees, and provide additional land for housing construction.
“It should not be difficult for hardworking Florida families to find and keep a roof over their heads,” said Cortes. “With Florida continuing to grow, and especially with so many new residents from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands relocating here, the need for affordable housing in Florida has never been greater.”
In the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Cortes has been at the forefront of several proactive policy moves the state has made to facilitate the transition of thousands of new residents from Puerto Rico. HB 987 incorporates several of the recommendations made by the Affordable Housing Workgroup created by the Legislature during the 2017 session. The work group voted on these recommendations earlier this month.
“Even before the hurricanes, we were facing a shortage of affordable housing,” said Cortes. “This bill provides long-term, effective solutions to address this need.”