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Housing on the ballot: Harris, Trump push different plans for tackling housing affordability crisis
Read full article: Housing on the ballot: Harris, Trump push different plans for tackling housing affordability crisisMillions of Americans can’t afford to buy a home or rent a suitable apartment, making housing a central issue for voters in the upcoming presidential election.
Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ Act
Read full article: Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ ActThe city of Orlando on Monday joined the growing number of county and city governments opting out of a state law that is supposed to bring more affordable housing to communities.
Gov. DeSantis urges lawmakers to address condo affordability crisis sooner than later
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis urges lawmakers to address condo affordability crisis sooner than laterGov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that lawmakers should act before the 2025 regular legislative session to address problems facing condominium associations and owners, including soaring costs.
‘Ready, Set, Build:’ Orange County unveils blueprint for affordable living
Read full article: ‘Ready, Set, Build:’ Orange County unveils blueprint for affordable livingOrange County has unveiled “Ready, Set, Orange,” a new, forward-thinking initiative designed to streamline the construction of affordable housing.
Seminole County no longer giving tax breaks under ‘Live Local Act’ for affordable housing
Read full article: Seminole County no longer giving tax breaks under ‘Live Local Act’ for affordable housingSeminole County is joining the list of local governments who will no longer give tax breaks to developers who offer affordable housing.
Winter Garden homeless organization moves to evict client from transitional housing
Read full article: Winter Garden homeless organization moves to evict client from transitional housingA homeless outreach center moved to evict some of its clients from its transitional housing program after they refused to leave.
Orlando nonprofit planning new development to address affordable housing crisis
Read full article: Orlando nonprofit planning new development to address affordable housing crisisThe Orlando Union Rescue Mission, which is one of Central Florida's largest service providers to the homeless, wants to do something about the housing shortage.
Firms flock to Florida, buy up apartments because of weak tenant-protection laws, study finds
Read full article: Firms flock to Florida, buy up apartments because of weak tenant-protection laws, study findsA University of North Florida study found that Duval County is the eviction filing capital of the state, and corporations are behind a majority of eviction filings in the Jacksonville area.
Orange County denies controversial senior housing proposal in Waterford Lakes
Read full article: Orange County denies controversial senior housing proposal in Waterford LakesA developer’s plan to bring a 36-unit attainable senior apartment complex to the Waterford Lakes community has been denied by Orange County’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
‘Families with children:’ Seminole County proposes money for homeless shelters as need rises
Read full article: ‘Families with children:’ Seminole County proposes money for homeless shelters as need risesLeaders in Seminole County say a growing number of people live in cars and on the streets, and only about 200 shelter beds are available countywide.
Attainable senior housing plan draws opposition from Waterford Lakes. Here’s why
Read full article: Attainable senior housing plan draws opposition from Waterford Lakes. Here’s whyA developer's plans to bring an attainable senior apartment complex to east Orange County is drawing opposition from the community.
Kissimmee celebrates nearly $2M in federal funding for affordable housing complex
Read full article: Kissimmee celebrates nearly $2M in federal funding for affordable housing complexThe city of Kissimmee is getting results when it comes to finding a solution to the affordable housing crisis impacting Central Florida.
Orange County commissioners move forward with Disney affordable housing project
Read full article: Orange County commissioners move forward with Disney affordable housing projectCommissioners in Orange County agreed Tuesday to send a plan for an affordable housing project that would be built by Walt Disney World onto the next step.
Homeless census: Volunteers conducting annual count in Metro Orlando
Read full article: Homeless census: Volunteers conducting annual count in Metro OrlandoOver the next three days, volunteers with the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida will be going out to count how many people are experiencing homelessness across the region.
Volusia County leaders call for changes to Florida’s affordable housing law
Read full article: Volusia County leaders call for changes to Florida’s affordable housing lawAs Florida's population has rapidly increased over the years, demand for housing has reached an all-time high and the supply of affordable housing has not kept up.
Here’s how Orlando leaders are working to address homelessness
Read full article: Here’s how Orlando leaders are working to address homelessnessCentral Florida is known as a top tourist destination in the world, but if you pull back the curtains and look a little closer, you'll also find one of the worst affordable housing crises in the country.
Universal, Wendover Housing Partners embark on landmark affordable housing project
Read full article: Universal, Wendover Housing Partners embark on landmark affordable housing projectUniversal Destinations & Experiences and Wendover Housing Partners have taken a significant step toward addressing Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis.
An old Orlando motel is turning into affordable housing, thanks to a federal grant
Read full article: An old Orlando motel is turning into affordable housing, thanks to a federal grantOn Tuesday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other city and housing leaders got a look inside the Palm Garden Apartments that are now under construction.
Your Florida Daily: Pastor’s son found dead in church parking lot, Volusia affordable housing situation
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Pastor’s son found dead in church parking lot, Volusia affordable housing situationThe son of a Polk County pastor was found dead and his killer was arrested, but detectives are working to figure out the motive.
Finding affordable housing is tough in Deltona. Just ask the city’s mayor
Read full article: Finding affordable housing is tough in Deltona. Just ask the city’s mayorA Volusia County official is opening up about his own struggle to find affordable housing. Deltona’s mayor, Santiago Avila Jr., told News 6 he now has his own concerns, and he hopes the city can start bringing in more affordable housing.
Ground broken on affordable housing community in Sanford’s Goldsboro community
Read full article: Ground broken on affordable housing community in Sanford’s Goldsboro communitySeminole County leaders are marking the beginning of construction on a development that will bring affordable housing to Sanford.
These Central Florida housing markets are among the most overpriced in the US
Read full article: These Central Florida housing markets are among the most overpriced in the USEight Florida housing markets are among the most overpriced in the country, according to a new report, and three Central Florida markets are in the top 15.
Here’s what’s in Orlando’s 3-year plan to reduce homelessness
Read full article: Here’s what’s in Orlando’s 3-year plan to reduce homelessnessAccording to the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, in Orange County alone, more than 1,600 people are considered homeless. That number includes people living in shelters.
Florida lawmakers OK bill to let landlords collect fees from renters instead of deposit
Read full article: Florida lawmakers OK bill to let landlords collect fees from renters instead of depositAs Florida grapples with a shortage of affordable housing, the Senate on Friday gave final approval to a bill that could lead to landlords collecting monthly fees instead of security deposits from renters.
Florida governor signs bill banning local rent control, appropriating $711M for affordable housing projects
Read full article: Florida governor signs bill banning local rent control, appropriating $711M for affordable housing projectsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Wednesday morning in Collier County to sign SB 102, the “Live Local Act.”
Florida Legislature OKs incentives for affordable housing, bans rent control
Read full article: Florida Legislature OKs incentives for affordable housing, bans rent controlWith approval Friday from the Florida House, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s $711 million effort to make housing more affordable for working Floridians is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Have an affordable housing idea? Seminole County seeking public input
Read full article: Have an affordable housing idea? Seminole County seeking public inputWith approximately $3 million in federal funding administered through the HUD Home American Rescue Plan Act, the county is now asking for the public’s input on best to use the money locally.
Osceola County delays tenant’s bill of rights, flood disclosure ordinance
Read full article: Osceola County delays tenant’s bill of rights, flood disclosure ordinanceCommissioners in Osceola County tabled an ordinance calling for a tenant’s bill of rights and a flood disclosure requirement Monday, a move which cheered realtors.
Passidomo points to housing, wildlife corridor as Florida Senate priorities
Read full article: Passidomo points to housing, wildlife corridor as Florida Senate prioritiesArmed with a large majority, Naples Republican Kathleen Passidomo outlined what she described as a voter-supported “conservative agenda” as she became Florida Senate president Tuesday.
Florida insurance rates could go up 20 to 30% next year, say industry analysts
Read full article: Florida insurance rates could go up 20 to 30% next year, say industry analystsBefore Hurricane Ian, Florida’s insurance market was already in crisis. Now many consumers are on edge about how their premiums will change after the storm.
Florida joins FTC crack down on rental-listing platform duping consumers
Read full article: Florida joins FTC crack down on rental-listing platform duping consumersSix states, and the Federal Trade Commission, are suing a rental listing platform accused of paying for fake positive reviews for people looking for affordable housing.
Polk County family says Homeowner Assistance funds are missing
Read full article: Polk County family says Homeowner Assistance funds are missingA preliminary review by News 6 found several residents have experienced similar cases where Homeowner Assistance funds paid by the DEO could not be accounted for.
Metro Orlando’s median home price falls for first time in 6 months
Read full article: Metro Orlando’s median home price falls for first time in 6 monthsThe median home price in Orlando fell for the first time in six months and the inventory of homes for sale jumped again, according to the latest report from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
Roundtable in Orlando to talk rising rent, struggling hospitality workers
Read full article: Roundtable in Orlando to talk rising rent, struggling hospitality workersA roundtable discussion tonight will discuss the impact rising rents and inflation are having on the Orlando area’s biggest industry, tourism.
Planned Orlando district would bring apartments, shops to Rosemont; residents fighting it
Read full article: Planned Orlando district would bring apartments, shops to Rosemont; residents fighting itDespite Central Florida’s booming population, a billion-dollar development proposed for an Orlando community is facing backlash.
With new owners, ‘Florida Project’ motel dwellers must leave
Read full article: With new owners, ‘Florida Project’ motel dwellers must leaveResidents at a motel along a tourist strip not far from Walt Disney World that was used as the setting for the 2017 film “The Florida Project” were told that they must vacate on short-notice because the complex has been sold to another owner.
Rent control up for discussion at special Orange County commission meeting
Read full article: Rent control up for discussion at special Orange County commission meetingAfter a few roadblocks and no solutions, Orange County commissioners are hoping for a different outcome during Thursday’s special work session on rent control.
House-hacking: How some Central Florida millennials are affording the American Dream
Read full article: House-hacking: How some Central Florida millennials are affording the American DreamAs home prices and mortgage rates climb, some folks wanting to buy their first home are having to get creative. News 6 investigator Merris Badcock spoke to Orlando homeowners who figured out how to buy their first homes making less than $50,000 dollars a year.
Study finds Florida has high home vacancy rates. Here’s why
Read full article: Study finds Florida has high home vacancy rates. Here’s whyEven with home prices skyrocketing and low inventory, a recent Lending Tree study found Florida is one of the top states with the highest vacancy rates. While realtors and economists said this may seem shocking, knowing that information can help homebuyers make better decisions.
Florida launching program to help first-time homeowners in over 50 professions
Read full article: Florida launching program to help first-time homeowners in over 50 professionsGov. Ron DeSantis announced the launch of a program Monday that will assist Floridians in over 50 professions buy their first homes.
‘It’s heartbreaking:’ More pets surrendered in Orange County as home costs rise
Read full article: ‘It’s heartbreaking:’ More pets surrendered in Orange County as home costs riseAlmeida said animal services is reporting double the number of animals being surrendered on a daily basis, up to 30 pets a day.
‘Our residents are suffering:’ Orange commissioner calls for rent stabilization at meeting
Read full article: ‘Our residents are suffering:’ Orange commissioner calls for rent stabilization at meetingCommissioner Emily Bonilla presented the plan which calls for a rent hike cap of 5% -- or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.
Almost a quarter of Orlando homebuyers are female, report says
Read full article: Almost a quarter of Orlando homebuyers are female, report saysA new report from Inspection Service Network, which provides property inspection software services, puts Orlando in the top 20 most female homebuyers in the United States, along with Miami, Tampa.
Ex-wife of Amazon founder donates $9M to Central Florida Habitat for Humanity affiliates
Read full article: Ex-wife of Amazon founder donates $9M to Central Florida Habitat for Humanity affiliatesThe former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is getting results for Central Florida's housing market with a generous donation to two local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
‘The need is great:’ Orlando nonprofits struggle to help growing homeless population
Read full article: ‘The need is great:’ Orlando nonprofits struggle to help growing homeless populationAccording to the Coalition for the Homeless in Central Florida, the organization has been able to assist a growing number of people experiencing homelessness with funds from the federal CARES act program.
The Weekly: As Florida rents, home prices soar, advocates ask: where will we live?
Read full article: The Weekly: As Florida rents, home prices soar, advocates ask: where will we live?Nearly a thousand people move to the Sunshine State every day — a trend analysts believe will continue for at least the next five years. And that begs the question: where are those folks going to live?
Orlando to open new rental assistance portal Feb. 1. Here’s how to apply
Read full article: Orlando to open new rental assistance portal Feb. 1. Here’s how to applyTo qualify, you must live in the city limits of Orlando, you must have been impacted by COVID-19 financially. You also must be behind on rent or facing eviction because of late rent payments.
Problems plaguing the future: How one network is actively looking for solutions
Read full article: Problems plaguing the future: How one network is actively looking for solutionsWhen we think about the world and the problems people encounter every day, a few of the biggest hurdles would be poverty and hunger, climate change and inequality, to name a few.
Hotels to housing: Osceola County sets new standards on hotel conversions
Read full article: Hotels to housing: Osceola County sets new standards on hotel conversionsAs more companies are investing in converting old hotels along 192 in Osceola County's tourism district for affordable, workforce housing, the county commission is setting new standards for living conditions Monday night.
WATCH | Episode 2: Solutionaries tackles affordable housing crisis
Read full article: WATCH | Episode 2: Solutionaries tackles affordable housing crisisEpisode 2 of “Solutionaries” tackles the lack of affordable housing across America and highlights the people and organizations who are working to solve the crisis.
How the government is addressing housing issues
Read full article: How the government is addressing housing issuesAs part of an initiative to create more affordable housing and an increased inventory of homes, President Joe Biden recently announced his administration wants to make single-family homes less available to investors.
This company can save Central Florida renters on move-in costs
Read full article: This company can save Central Florida renters on move-in costsBetween application fees, first month’s rent, last month’s rent and a security deposit, the cost of moving to a new apartment in the Orlando area can quickly add up.
What is a community land trust?: A look at one solution to the affordable housing crisis
Read full article: What is a community land trust?: A look at one solution to the affordable housing crisisThe affordable housing crisis is worsening by the day, with the housing supply at an all-time low and rents reaching sky high numbers, but there are people, projects and organizations out there dedicated to combating the crisis.
How community land trusts can help stem affordable housing crisis
Read full article: How community land trusts can help stem affordable housing crisisNo matter where you live in the U.S., it's likely your community struggles with the issue of affordable housing. The Solutionaries team spent the summer looking at some of the systemic ways in which the housing crisis might be stemmed. One fix we looked at both in Orlando and Detroit is a system known as a "community land trust."
Here’s who’s working to find solutions to Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis
Read full article: Here’s who’s working to find solutions to Central Florida’s affordable housing crisisThere’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to the affordable housing crisis Central Florida is facing but there are some groups and individuals working to make housing more attainable.
Orlando-area rent prices are up 20% since January, the highest increase in market history
Read full article: Orlando-area rent prices are up 20% since January, the highest increase in market historyThe average rent in the market is up to $1,537 per month, according to Brian Alford, Director of Market Analytics in Florida.
How did the housing market get so crazy? These 4 reasons help break it down
Read full article: How did the housing market get so crazy? These 4 reasons help break it downIt’s been a strange time, living through a global pandemic. What first might have come as a surprise, is the housing boom that followed -- and the fact that things have stayed red hot.
Ballot initiative to secure affordable housing funds in Florida tops 62,000 signatures
Read full article: Ballot initiative to secure affordable housing funds in Florida tops 62,000 signaturesBackers of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring money for affordable housing continue adding petition signatures as they try to get on the November 2022 ballot.
Deltona among top 15 hottest cities for homebuyers during the pandemic, report shows
Read full article: Deltona among top 15 hottest cities for homebuyers during the pandemic, report showsThe Deltona, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach real estate market was No. 9 in the nation for people moving to during this pandemic.
Avalon Park couple gets ‘love letters,’ cruise invite before selling home over asking to cash buyer in 2 days
Read full article: Avalon Park couple gets ‘love letters,’ cruise invite before selling home over asking to cash buyer in 2 daysWithin just two days, Avalon Park couple Jenny Berger and Richard Ortega sold their home, not knowing how far buyers would go to seal the deal.
Universal Orlando picks developer for new affordable housing development
Read full article: Universal Orlando picks developer for new affordable housing developmentUniversal Parks and Resorts along with leaders in Orange County have now selected a developer to build and design a new 20-acre affordable housing community.
Construction underway on affordable apartments for seniors in Orange County
Read full article: Construction underway on affordable apartments for seniors in Orange CountyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new affordable housing neighborhood for seniors is coming to Pine Hills. Hawthorne Park Apartments is a $27 million construction project that will help low-income seniors who need an affordable home in Orange County. AdOfficials explained more than 100,000 people in Orange County spend a third of their income on housing payments, most of them seniors. More affordable housing coming to Pine Hills. Orange County Mayor Demings says the 27 million dollar project will help low-income seniors.
New affordable housing for seniors opens in Pine Hills
Read full article: New affordable housing for seniors opens in Pine HillsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Nearly 100 new units at the Preserve at Emerald Villas in Pine Hills will now be the home to dozens of seniors in Orange County. The $19 million project was designed to help seniors who earn from 40% to 60% of the area median income. “This is an opportunity for us to have a public, private partnership to address the deficit of affordable housing here in our community,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. The property was bought back in 2011 and was in deep foreclosure then became the second phase of development at Emerald Villas affordable housing. Pozzo said less than 20 units are still available for seniors at the Preserve at Emerald Villas.
Universal Resorts looking for developer to create affordable housing project
Read full article: Universal Resorts looking for developer to create affordable housing projectUniversal Parks & Resorts is looking for a developer who can bring their vision of affordable housing to fruition. The affordable housing community will sit on a 20-acre site that the company has pledged for exclusive use in an effort to help one of the region’s most challenging problems: the lack of affordable housing. Officials said Universal will donate the land to a nonprofit entity and work with the developer to ensure the property is used for affordable housing in perpetuity. Universal said it will manage the developer selection process and will also work to create the development agreement with Orange County. And the benefits to our community will be real.”For more information on the new initiative, click or tap here.