ORLANDO, Fla. – Homelessness among families in Florida has jumped nearly 30% in the past three years, according to a new study from the University of Florida.
The 2025 Rental Market Study, released by the university’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, found rent for multifamily units rose nearly 40% from 2019 to 2023, even as more than 1 million households moved into the state.
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The report estimates about 904,000 renting households in Florida earn less than 60% of the median income and spend more than 40% of their paycheck on housing. Researchers say even though the state added 240,000 new apartments during that time, it was not enough to meet demand.
In Orlando, the shortage is especially severe. The average cost for a two-bedroom apartment reached $1,799 in 2023, about $500 more than what low-income families can afford. The study found the region is short more than 80,000 affordable units.
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Local renters told News 6 the price hikes have been overwhelming.
“My rent has doubled in the last three years,” one Orlando resident said.
Another renter added, “The only option you have is to work two jobs or move in with three or four people just to make rent.”
Researchers say the affordability gap is widening across Florida’s major metro areas, including Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville, leaving tens of thousands of families at risk of losing housing.
Experts warn unless new solutions are put in place, families will continue to struggle to keep up with rising rents.
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