reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.5061 - Transfer of agency assets and liabilities.

420.5061 Transfer of
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agency assets and liabilities.—The corporation is the legal successor in all respects to the
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agency, is obligated to the same extent as the
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agency under any agreements existing on December 31, 1997, and is entitled to any rights and remedies previously afforded the
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agency by law or contract, including specifically the rights of the
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agency under chapter 201 and part VI of chapter 159. Effective January 1, 1998, all references under Florida law to the
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agency are deemed to mean the corporation. The corporation shall transfer to the General Revenue Fund an amount which otherwise would have been deducted as a service charge pursuant to s. 215.20(1) if the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Fund established by s. 420.508(5), the State Apartment Incentive Loan Fund established by s. 420.5087(7), the Florida Homeownership Assistance Fund established by s. 420.5088(4), the HOME Investment Partnership Fund established by s. 420.5089(1), and the Housing Predevelopment Loan Fund established by s. 420.525(1) were each trust funds. For purposes of s. 112.313, the corporation is deemed to be a continuation of the
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agency, and the provisions thereof are deemed to apply as if the same entity remained in place. Any employees of the
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agency and
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agency board members covered by s. 112.313(9)(a)6. shall continue to be entitled to the exemption in that subparagraph, notwithstanding being hired by the corporation or appointed as board members of the corporation.
History.—s. 10, ch. 97-167; s. 5, ch. 98-56; s. 16, ch. 2006-69; s. 12, ch. 2007-198.
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Note.—The Florida Housing Finance Agency was replaced by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation pursuant to s. 7, ch. 97-167.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.5095 - Community Workforce Housing Loan Program.

420.5095 Community Workforce Housing Loan Program.—
(1) The Legislature finds and declares that recent rapid increases in the median purchase price of a home and the cost of rental housing have far outstripped the increases in median income in the state, creating the need for innovative solutions for the provision of housing opportunities.
(2) The Community Workforce Housing Loan Program is created to provide workforce housing for persons affected by the high cost of housing.
(3) For purposes of this section, the term “workforce housing” means housing affordable to natural persons or families whose total annual household income does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income, adjusted for household size, or 120 percent of area median income, adjusted for household size, in areas of critical state concern designated under s. 380.05, for which the Legislature has declared its intent to provide affordable housing, and areas that were designated as areas of critical state concern for at least 20 consecutive years before removal of the designation.
(4) The Florida Housing Finance Corporation is authorized to provide loans under the program to applicants for construction of workforce housing.
(5) The corporation shall establish a loan application process under s. 420.5087.
(6) Projects must be given priority consideration for funding if the local jurisdiction has adopted, or is committed to adopting, appropriate regulatory incentives, local contributions or financial strategies, or other funding sources to promote the development and ongoing financial viability of such projects. Local incentives include such actions as expediting review of development orders and permits, supporting development near transportation hubs and major employment centers, and adopting land development regulations designed to allow flexibility in densities, use of accessory units, mixed-use developments, and flexible lot configurations. Financial strategies include such actions as promoting employer-assisted housing programs, providing tax increment financing, and providing land.
(7) The corporation shall award loans with a 1 percent interest rate for a term that does not exceed 15 years.
(8) The corporation may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this section.
History.—ss. 47, 53, ch. 2006-26; s. 27, ch. 2006-69; s. 15, ch. 2007-198; s. 116, ch. 2008-4; s. 64, ch. 2011-139; s. 332, ch. 2011-142; s. 12, ch. 2019-165; s. 15, ch. 2020-27.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.51 - State and local government not liable on bonds or notes.

420.51 State and local government not liable on bonds or notes.—The bonds of the corporation shall not be a debt of the state or of any local government, and neither the state nor any local government shall be liable thereon. The corporation shall not have the power to pledge the credit, the revenues, or the taxing power of the state or of any local government; and neither the credit, the revenues, nor the taxing power of the state or of any local government shall be, or shall be deemed to be, pledged to the payment of any bonds of the corporation.
History.—s. 1, ch. 80-161; s. 20, ch. 97-167.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.513 - Exemption from taxes and eligibility as investment.

420.513 Exemption from taxes and eligibility as investment.—
(1) The property of the corporation, the transactions and operations thereof, the income therefrom, and the bonds of the corporation issued under this act, together with all notes, mortgages, security agreements, letters of credit, or other instruments that arise out of or are given to secure the repayment of bonds issued in connection with the financing of any housing under this part, and all notes, mortgages, security agreements, letters of credit, or other instruments that arise out of or are given to secure the repayment of loans issued in connection with the financing of any housing under this part, as well as the interest thereon and income therefrom, regardless of the status of any party thereto as a private party, shall be exempt from taxation by the state and its political subdivisions. The exemption granted by this subsection shall not apply to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.
(2) All bonds of the corporation shall be and constitute legal investments without limitation for all public bodies of this state; for all banks, trust companies, savings banks, savings associations, savings and loan associations, and investment companies; for all administrators, executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries; for all insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business; and for all other persons whatsoever who are now or may hereafter be authorized to invest in bonds or other obligations of the state and shall be and constitute eligible securities to be deposited as collateral for the security of any state, county, municipal, or other public funds. This subsection shall be considered as additional and supplemental authority and shall not be limited without specific reference hereto.
History.—s. 1, ch. 80-161; s. 55, ch. 89-356; s. 23, ch. 97-167; s. 17, ch. 2007-198.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.514 - Corporate existence.

420.514 Corporate existence.—The corporation and its corporate existence shall continue until terminated by law, provided that no such law shall take effect so long as the corporation shall have bonds outstanding, unless adequate provision has been made for the payment thereof. Upon termination of the existence of the corporation, all its rights and properties in excess of its obligations shall pass to and be vested in the state.
History.—s. 1, ch. 80-161; s. 24, ch. 97-167.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.515 - Inconsistent provisions of other laws superseded.

420.515 Inconsistent provisions of other laws superseded.—Insofar as the provisions of this part are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, general, special, or local, the provisions of this part shall be controlling.
History.—s. 1, ch. 80-161.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.516 - Discrimination prohibited.

420.516 Discrimination prohibited.—It is an unlawful practice for a sponsor, while bonds are outstanding for the purpose of funding or financing the sponsor’s project, to discriminate against any person or family because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or marital status.
History.—s. 4, ch. 83-238.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.517 - Affordable housing and job training coordination.

420.517 Affordable housing and job training coordination.—The Florida Housing Finance Corporation shall undertake efforts to provide incentives to developers to build housing that encourages onsite job skills training to enable low-income residents to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. To the extent possible, the corporation shall direct all recipients of state housing funds, including municipalities, to work in cooperation with local and regional Job Training Partnerships Boards to provide training to residents and others who may be making the transition from welfare to the workforce. The corporation shall provide incentives through housing policy and program guidelines to prioritize those developments that encourage workforce training and skills development.
History.—s. 25, ch. 97-167.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.521 - Short title.

420.521 Short title.—Sections 420.521-420.529 may be cited as the “Predevelopment Loan Program Act.”
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 2, ch. 89-121; s. 1, ch. 93-181.
Note.—Former s. 420.303.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.522 - Legislative findings.

420.522 Legislative findings.—It is hereby found by the Legislature that:
(1) There continues to exist a serious shortage of affordable housing for farmworkers, very-low-income persons and families, and low-income persons and families throughout the state.
(2) Existing private, local, state, and federal resources have not been adequate to remedy this shortage.
(3) The provision of housing predevelopment funds is necessary to leverage currently available resources for housing development.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 17, ch. 93-181.
Note.—Former s. 420.304.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.523 - Purpose.

420.523 Purpose.—The purpose of the Predevelopment Loan Program is to:
(1) Provide for financial and technical assistance to local governments, housing authorities, and not-for-profit organizations who will provide for the sponsorship of housing for the target population in the state, such housing to be financed by federal, state, local, or private resources.
(2) Ensure maximum leverage of federal, state, and local public funds and private resources in the construction and financing of housing for the target population.
(3) Create a Housing Predevelopment Fund to be used by eligible sponsors of housing.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 2, ch. 93-181; s. 26, ch. 97-167.
Note.—Former s. 420.305.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.524 - Definitions relating to Predevelopment Loan Program Act.

420.524 Definitions relating to Predevelopment Loan Program Act.—For the purpose of ss. 420.521-420.529, the term:
(1) “Community-based organization” or “not-for-profit organization” means any group incorporated under chapter 617 to provide housing and other services on a not-for-profit basis, and which is acceptable to federal and state agencies and financial institutions as a sponsor of affordable housing.
(2) “Eligible housing project” means a housing project proposed by an eligible sponsor which will ensure that a minimum of 20 percent of the completed housing units are rented or sold to very-low-income persons or that a minimum of 50 percent of the completed housing units are rented or sold to low-income households or low-income farmworker households.
(3) “Low-income persons” means one or more natural persons or a family, not including students, whose total annual household income does not exceed 80 percent of the median annual adjusted gross income for households within the state, or 80 percent of the median annual adjusted gross income for households within the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) or, if not within an MSA, within the county in which the person or family resides, whichever is greater.
(4) “Sponsor” means a unit of local government, a housing authority as established pursuant to chapter 421, a community-based or not-for-profit organization, or a limited partnership if its general partner is a community-based or not-for-profit organization that applies for and is awarded predevelopment expenses from the fund.
(5) “Student” means any person not living with that person’s parent or guardian who is eligible to be claimed by that person’s parent or guardian as a dependent under the federal income tax code and who is enrolled on at least a half-time basis in a secondary school, career center, community college, college, or university. The term does not include a person participating in an educational or training program approved by the corporation.
(6) “Target population” means farmworkers, very-low-income persons and families, and low-income persons and families.
(7) “Very-low-income persons” means one or more natural persons or a family, not including students, whose total annual household income does not exceed 50 percent of the median annual adjusted gross income for households within the state, or 50 percent of the median annual adjusted gross income for households within the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) or, if not within an MSA, within the county in which the person or family resides, whichever is greater. “Very-low-income persons” also means, in projects for which the sponsor intends to use the federal low-income housing tax credit, persons or households having incomes that meet the eligibility requirements of s. 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 12, ch. 92-317; s. 3, ch. 93-181; s. 77, ch. 2000-153; s. 37, ch. 2004-357.
Note.—Former s. 420.306.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.525 - Housing Predevelopment Fund.

420.525 Housing Predevelopment Fund.—
(1) There is authorized to be established by the corporation with a qualified public depository meeting the requirements of chapter 280 a separate fund to be named the “Housing Predevelopment Fund” which shall be administered by the corporation according to the provisions of ss. 420.521-420.529. Any amounts held in the Housing Predevelopment Trust Fund for such purposes as of January 1, 1998, must be transferred to the corporation for deposit in the Housing Predevelopment Fund, whereupon the Housing Predevelopment Trust Fund must be closed. There shall be deposited into the fund moneys from the State Housing Trust Fund as created by s. 420.0005 or moneys received from any other source, for the purpose of this program and all proceeds derived from the use of such moneys. Administrative and personnel costs incurred in implementing the provisions of ss. 420.521-420.529 may be paid from the fund. Expenditures from the Housing Predevelopment Fund shall not be required to be included in the corporation’s budget request or be subject to appropriation by the Legislature.
(2) All unencumbered funds, loan repayments, proceeds from the sale of any property, existing funds remaining in the following programs, and any other proceeds that would otherwise accrue pursuant to the activities conducted under this program and the provisions of the following programs shall be deposited in the fund and shall not revert to the General Revenue Fund:
(a) The Rural Housing Land Acquisition and Site Development Act;
(b) The Farmworker Housing Assistance Act; and
(c) The Community-Based Organization Loan Program created by the Affordable Housing Planning and Community Assistance Act.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 13, ch. 92-317; s. 4, ch. 93-181; s. 27, ch. 97-167; s. 78, ch. 2000-153.
Note.—Former s. 420.307.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.527 - Criteria for determining threshold compliance.

420.527 Criteria for determining threshold compliance.—
(1) The corporation shall establish the criteria for determining threshold compliance with corporation objectives. Final decisions regarding funding shall be approved by the corporation board. The corporation board shall determine the tentative loan or grant amount available to each program participant. The actual loan or grant amount shall be determined pursuant to rule specifying credit underwriting procedures.
(2) The criteria to be used to determine threshold compliance shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Income target objectives of the corporation.
(b) Sponsor’s agreement to reserve more than the minimum number of units for low-income households and very-low-income households.
(c) Projects requiring the least amount of predevelopment funds compared to total predevelopment costs.
(d) Sponsor’s prior experience.
(e) Commitments of other financing.
(f) Sponsor’s ability to proceed.
(g) Project’s consistency with the local government comprehensive plan.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 15, ch. 92-317; s. 17, ch. 93-181; s. 29, ch. 97-167; s. 6, ch. 2002-160; s. 33, ch. 2015-4.
Note.—Former s. 420.309.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.528 - Rules; summary required with annual report.

420.528 Rules; summary required with annual report.—
(1) The corporation may adopt rules necessary to implement ss. 420.521-420.529 and to further specify the purposes for which loan and grant funds may be expended, the required content of applications, the procedure for evaluating and competitively ranking all applications, and reporting requirements for sponsors awarded funds under ss. 420.521-420.529.
(2) The corporation shall submit, within the annual report required by s. 420.511, a summary of loans and grants made, loan and grant recipients, loan commitments received by sponsors, persons or families housed, projects initiated and completed, and the balance on all loans outstanding at the end of each fiscal year of the corporation.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 16, ch. 92-317; s. 6, ch. 93-181; s. 30, ch. 97-167; s. 13, ch. 98-56.
Note.—Former s. 420.31.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.529 - Default by sponsor.

420.529 Default by sponsor.—If a default on a loan occurs, the corporation may foreclose on any mortgage or security interest or commence any legal action to protect the interest of the corporation or the fund and recover the amount of the unpaid principal, accrued interest, and fees on behalf of the fund. The corporation may also acquire real and personal property or any interest in the property if such acquisition is necessary or appropriate to protect any loan; to sell, transfer, and convey any such property to a buyer without regard to the provisions of chapters 253 and 270; and, if such sale, transfer, or conveyance cannot be effected within a reasonable time, to lease such property for occupancy by eligible persons. All sums recovered from the sale, transfer, conveyance, or lease of such property shall be deposited into the Housing Predevelopment Fund.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376; s. 17, ch. 92-317; s. 17, ch. 93-181; s. 31, ch. 97-167.
Note.—Former s. 420.32.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.5295 - Applicability.

420.5295 Applicability.—To the extent that provisions of this part are not inconsistent with contract provisions under the Rural Land Acquisition and Site Development Act, the Farmworker Housing Assistance Act, and the Community-Based Organization Loan Program, the provisions of this part shall apply to the disposition of lands acquired by the state as a result of the default on loans under such programs.
History.—s. 13, ch. 88-376.
Note.—Former s. 420.33.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part V - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Ss. 420.501-420.55) › 420.55 - Housing; response to disasters.

420.55 Housing; response to disasters.—The Florida Housing Finance Corporation is authorized to provide funds to eligible entities for affordable housing recovery in those areas of the state which sustained housing damage due to hurricanes during 2004 and 2005. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation shall utilize data provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in its allocation of funds to local jurisdictions. To administer these programs, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation shall be guided by the “Hurricane Housing Work Group Recommendations to Assist in Florida’s Long Term Housing Recovery Efforts” report dated February 16, 2005, and may adopt emergency rules pursuant to s. 120.54. The Legislature finds that emergency rules adopted pursuant to this section meet the health, safety, and welfare requirement of s. 120.54(4). The Legislature finds that such emergency rulemaking power is necessary for the preservation of the rights and welfare of the people in order to provide additional funds to assist those areas of the state that sustained housing damage due to hurricanes during 2004 and 2005. Therefore, in adopting such emergency rules, the corporation need not make the findings required by s. 120.54(4)(a). Emergency rules adopted under this section are exempt from s. 120.54(4)(c). The sum of $75.9 million is appropriated from the Local Government Housing Trust Fund to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for the Rental Recovery Loan Program. The sum of $15 million is appropriated from the State Housing Trust Fund to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for the Farmworker Housing Recovery Program and the Special Housing Assistance and Development Program, and the sum of $17 million is appropriated from the State Housing Trust Fund to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for the Rental Recovery Program. The sum of $100,000 is appropriated from the State Housing Trust Fund to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for technical and training assistance.
History.—ss. 48, 53, ch. 2006-26; s. 31, ch. 2006-69.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.601 - Short title.

420.601 Short title.—Sections 420.601-420.609 may be cited as the “Affordable Housing Planning and Community Assistance Act.”
History.—s. 2, ch. 86-192; s. 27, ch. 92-317.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.6015 - Legislative findings.

420.6015 Legislative findings.—In addition to the findings and declarations in ss. 420.0002, 420.502, 421.02, 422.02, and 423.01, which are hereby reaffirmed, the Legislature finds that:
(1) Decent, safe, and sanitary housing for persons of very low income, low income, and moderate income are a critical need in the state.
(2) New and rehabilitated housing must be provided at a cost affordable to such persons in order to alleviate this critical need.
(3) The private sector housing construction industry primarily produces housing units for middle-income households and upper-income households and often has limited experience in housing development which provides quality housing for low-income persons in economically declining or distressed areas.
(4) Among other things, the high cost of project financing tends to restrict the development of housing affordable to very-low-income persons, low-income persons, and moderate-income persons.
(5) For these reasons, private capital and existing state housing programs do not provide an adequate remedy to this situation.
(6) Special programs are needed to stimulate private enterprise to build and rehabilitate housing in order to help eradicate slum conditions and provide housing for very-low-income persons, low-income persons, and moderate-income persons as a matter of public purpose.
(7) Public-private partnerships are an essential means of bringing together resources to provide affordable housing.
(8) The department shall facilitate the mobilization of public and private resources to provide affordable housing through its responsibilities in the areas of housing, comprehensive planning, and community assistance.
History.—s. 3, ch. 86-192; s. 28, ch. 92-317; s. 6, ch. 2000-342; s. 20, ch. 2004-243.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.615 - Affordable housing land donation density bonus incentives.

420.615 Affordable housing land donation density bonus incentives.—
(1) A local government may provide density bonus incentives pursuant to the provisions of this section to any landowner who voluntarily donates fee simple interest in real property to the local government for the purpose of assisting the local government in providing affordable housing. Donated real property must be determined by the local government to be appropriate for use as affordable housing and must be subject to deed restrictions to ensure that the property will be used for affordable housing.
(2) For purposes of this section, the terms “affordable,” “extremely-low-income persons,” “low-income persons,” “moderate-income persons,” and “very-low-income persons” have the same meaning as in s. 420.0004.
(3) The density bonus may be applied to any land within the local government’s jurisdiction provided that residential use is an allowable use on the receiving land.
(4) The density bonus, identification of receiving land for the bonus, and any other conditions associated with the donation of the land for affordable housing are the subject of review and approval by the local government. The award of density bonus pursuant to this section, the legal description of the land receiving the bonus, and any other conditions associated with the bonus shall be memorialized in a development agreement or other binding agreement and recorded with the clerk of court in the county where the donated land and receiving land are located.
(5) The local government, as part of the approval process, shall adopt a comprehensive plan amendment, pursuant to part II of chapter 163, for the receiving land that incorporates the density bonus. Such amendment shall be adopted in the manner as required for small-scale amendments pursuant to s. 163.3187 and is not subject to the requirements of s. 163.3184(4)(b)-(d).
(6) The deed restrictions required pursuant to subsection (1) for an affordable housing unit must also prohibit the unit from being sold at a price that exceeds the threshold for housing that is affordable for low-income or moderate-income persons or to a buyer who is not eligible due to his or her income under this chapter. The deed restriction may allow affordable housing units created under subsection (1) to be rented to extremely-low-income, very-low-income, low-income, or moderate-income persons.
(7) The local government may transfer all or a portion of the donated land to a nonprofit housing organization, such as a community land trust, housing authority, or community redevelopment agency, to be used for the production and preservation of permanently affordable housing.
History.—s. 28, ch. 2006-69; s. 65, ch. 2011-139.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.621 - Definitions.

420.621 Definitions.—As used in ss. 420.621-420.628, the term:
(1) “Continuum of care” means a group organized to carry out the responsibilities imposed under ss. 420.621-420.628 to coordinate, plan, and pursue ending homelessness in a designated catchment area. Such a group shall be composed of representatives from certain organizations, including, but not limited to, nonprofit homeless providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, governments, businesses, advocates, public housing agencies, school districts, social service providers, mental health agencies, hospitals, universities, affordable housing developers, law enforcement, organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless veterans, and organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless persons, to the extent that these organizations are represented within the designated catchment area and are available to participate.
(2) “Continuum of care lead agency” or “continuum of care collaborative applicant” means the organization designated by a continuum of care under s. 420.6225.
(3) “Council on Homelessness” means the council created in s. 420.622.
(4) “Department” means the Department of Children and Families.
(5) “Homeless” means:
(a) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as defined under “homeless” in 24 C.F.R. s. 578.3; or
(b) An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence as defined under “homeless” in 24 C.F.R. s. 578.3.
(6) “State Office on Homelessness” means the state office created in s. 420.622.
History.—s. 9, ch. 87-106; s. 18, ch. 92-58; s. 20, ch. 93-200; s. 202, ch. 99-8; s. 9, ch. 2001-98; s. 2, ch. 2009-164; s. 238, ch. 2014-19; s. 1, ch. 2020-44.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.6227 - Grant-in-aid program.

420.6227 Grant-in-aid program.—
(1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.—The Legislature finds and declares that many services for households experiencing homelessness have been provided by local communities through voluntary private agencies and religious organizations and that those resources have not been sufficient to prevent and end homelessness in the state. The Legislature recognizes that the level of need and types of problems associated with homelessness may vary from community to community, due to the diversity and geographic distribution of the homeless population and the resulting differing needs of particular communities.
(2) PURPOSE.—The principal purpose of the grant-in-aid program is to provide needed assistance to continuums of care to enable them to do all of the following:
(a) Assist persons in their communities who have become, or may likely become, homeless.
(b) Help homeless households move to permanent housing as quickly as possible.
(3) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a grant-in-aid program to help continuums of care prevent and end homelessness, which may include any aspect of the local continuum of care plan, as described in s. 420.6225.
(4) APPLICATION PROCEDURE.—Continuums of care that intend to apply for the grant-in-aid program must submit an application for grant-in-aid funds to the State Office on Homelessness for review.
(5) SPENDING PLANS.—The State Office on Homelessness shall develop guidelines for the development, evaluation, and approval of spending plans that are created by local continuum of care lead agencies.
(6) ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS.—The State Office on Homelessness shall administer grant-in-aid funds for continuums of care, which must be awarded on a competitive basis.
(7) DISTRIBUTION TO LOCAL AGENCIES.—The State Office on Homelessness shall distribute funds awarded under subsection (6) to local agencies to fund programs that are required by the local continuum of care plan, as described in s. 420.6225 and provided in subsection (3), based upon the recommendations of the local continuum of care lead agencies, in accordance with spending plans that are developed by the lead agencies and approved by the office. Not more than 10 percent of the total state funds awarded under a spending plan may be used by the continuum of care lead agency for staffing and administrative expenditures.
(8) LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS.—If an entity contracts with local agencies to provide services and receives financial assistance obtained under this section, the entity must provide at least 25 percent of the funding necessary for the support of project operations. In-kind contributions, including, but not limited to, materials, commodities, transportation, office space, other types of facilities, or personal services may be evaluated and counted as part or all of the required local funding, at the discretion of the State Office on Homelessness.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2020-44.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.6231 - Individual identifying information in homelessness counts and databases; public records exemption.

420.6231 Individual identifying information in homelessness counts and databases; public records exemption.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Individual identifying information” means information that directly or indirectly identifies a specific person, can be manipulated to identify a specific person, or can be linked with other available information to identify a specific person.
(b) “Point-in-Time Count” means an unduplicated count of both the sheltered and unsheltered people in a community who are experiencing homelessness. For purposes of this section, the term includes all survey information received from such persons.
(2) Individual identifying information of a person contained in a Point-in-Time Count or a homeless management information system which is collected pursuant to 42 U.S.C. chapter 119, subchapter IV and 24 C.F.R. part 91 is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption applies to individual identifying information collected before, on, or after April 6, 2022.
(3) This section does not preclude the release of aggregate information in a Point-in-Time Count or data in a homeless management information system which does not disclose the individual identifying information of a person.
(4) This section is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2027, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
History.—ss. 1, 3, ch. 2022-33.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.626 - Homelessness; discharge guidelines.

420.626 Homelessness; discharge guidelines.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature, to encourage mental health facilities or institutions under contract with, operated, licensed, or regulated by the state and local governments to ensure that persons leaving their care or custody are not discharged into homelessness.
(2) The following facilities and institutions are encouraged to develop and implement procedures designed to reduce the discharge of persons into homelessness when such persons are admitted or housed for more than 24 hours at such facilities or institutions: hospitals and inpatient medical facilities; crisis stabilization units; residential treatment facilities; assisted living facilities; and detoxification centers.
(3) The procedures should include all of the following:
(a) Development and implementation of a screening process or other mechanism for identifying persons to be discharged from the facility or institution who are at considerable risk for homelessness or face some imminent threat to health and safety upon discharge.
(b) Development and implementation of a discharge plan addressing how identified persons will secure housing and other needed care and support upon discharge.
(c) Communication with the entities to whom identified persons may potentially be discharged to determine their capability to serve such persons and their acceptance of such persons into their programs, and selection of the entity determined to be best equipped to provide or facilitate the provision of suitable care and support.
(d) Coordination of effort and sharing of information with entities that are expected to bear the responsibility for providing care or support to identified persons upon discharge.
(e) Provision of sufficient medication, medical equipment and supplies, clothing, transportation, and other basic resources necessary to ensure that the health and well-being of identified persons are not jeopardized upon their discharge.
(4) This section is intended only to recommend model guidelines and procedures that mental health facilities or institutions under contract with or operated, licensed, or regulated by the state or local governments may consider when discharging persons into the community. This section is not an entitlement, and no cause of action shall arise against the state, the local government entity, or any other political subdivision of this state for failure to follow any of the procedures or provide any of the services suggested under this section.
History.—s. 13, ch. 2001-98; s. 8, ch. 2020-44.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.6265 - Rapid ReHousing.

420.6265 Rapid ReHousing.—
(1) The Rapid ReHousing response to homelessness differs from traditional approaches to addressing homelessness by focusing on each individual’s or family’s barriers to housing. By using this approach, communities can significantly reduce the amount of time that individuals and families are homeless and prevent further episodes of homelessness.
(2) In Rapid ReHousing, when an individual or a family is identified as being homeless, the individual or family is assessed and prioritized for housing through the continuum of care’s coordinated entry system, temporary assistance is provided to allow the individual or family to obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible, and necessary assistance is provided to allow the individual or family to retain housing.
(3) The objective of Rapid ReHousing is to provide assistance for as short a term as possible so that the individual or family receiving assistance attains stability and integration into the community as quickly as possible.
History.—s. 7, ch. 2016-210; s. 9, ch. 2020-44.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.6275 - Housing First.

420.6275 Housing First.—
(1) The Housing First approach to homelessness provides permanent housing assistance, followed by support services responsive to individual or family needs once housing is obtained. By using this approach, communities can significantly reduce the amount of time that individuals and families are homeless and prevent further episodes of homelessness. Housing First emphasizes that social services provided to enhance individual and family well-being can be more effective when people are in their own home, and:
(a) The housing is not time-limited.
(b) The housing is not contingent on compliance with services. Instead, participants must comply with a standard lease agreement.
(c) Individuals and families are provided with individualized services and support necessary to help them maintain stable housing.
(2) The Housing First approach addresses the societal causes of homelessness and advocates for the immediate return of individuals and families into housing and communities. Housing First links affordable housing with community-based social service and health care organizations and consists of four components:
(a) Crisis intervention and short-term stabilization.
(b) Screening, intake, and needs assessment.
(c) Provision of housing resources.
(d) Provision of case management.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2009-164; s. 10, ch. 2020-44.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.628 - Affordable housing for children and young adults leaving foster care; legislative findings and intent.

420.628 Affordable housing for children and young adults leaving foster care; legislative findings and intent.—
(1)(a) The Legislature finds that there are many young adults who, through no fault of their own, live in foster families, group homes, and institutions, and face numerous barriers to a successful transition to adulthood. Young adults who are leaving the child welfare system may enter adulthood lacking the knowledge, skills, attitudes, habits, and relationships that will enable them to become productive members of society.
(b) The Legislature further finds that the main barriers to safe and affordable housing for such young adults are cost, lack of availability, the unwillingness of landlords to rent to such youth due to perceived regulatory barriers, and a lack of knowledge about how to be a good tenant. These barriers cause young adults to be at risk of becoming homeless.
(c) The Legislature also finds that young adults who leave the child welfare system are disproportionately represented in the homeless population. Without the stability of safe and affordable housing, all other services, training, and opportunities provided to such young adults may not be effective. Making affordable housing available will decrease the chance of homelessness and may increase the ability of such young adults to live independently.
(d) The Legislature intends that the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, agencies within the State Housing Initiative Partnership Program, local housing finance agencies, public housing authorities, and their agents, and other providers of affordable housing coordinate with the Department of Children and Families, their agents, and community-based care providers who provide services under s. 409.986 to develop and implement strategies and procedures designed to make affordable housing available whenever and wherever possible to young adults who leave the child welfare system.
(2) Young adults who leave the child welfare system meet the definition of eligible persons under ss. 420.503(18) and 420.9071(11) for affordable housing, and are encouraged to participate in federal, state, and local affordable housing programs. Students deemed to be eligible occupants under 26 U.S.C. s. 42(i)(3)(D) shall be considered eligible persons for purposes of all projects funded under this chapter.
History.—s. 25, ch. 2009-96; s. 5, ch. 2009-164; s. 97, ch. 2010-5; s. 11, ch. 2011-15; s. 240, ch. 2014-19; s. 60, ch. 2014-224; s. 33, ch. 2021-51; s. 6, ch. 2022-194.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.630 - Short title.

420.630 Short title.—Sections 420.630-420.635 may be cited as the “Urban Homesteading Act.”
History.—s. 23, ch. 99-378.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.631 - Definitions relating to Urban Homesteading Act.

420.631 Definitions relating to Urban Homesteading Act.—As used in ss. 420.630-420.635:
(1) “Authority” or “housing authority” means any of the public corporations created under s. 421.04.
(2) “Homestead agreement” means a written contract between a local government or its designee and a qualified buyer which contains the terms under which the qualified buyer may acquire a single-family housing property.
(3) “Local government” means any county or incorporated municipality within this state.
(4) “Designee” means a housing authority appointed by a local government, or a nonprofit community organization appointed by a local government, to administer the urban homesteading program for single-family housing under ss. 420.630-420.635.
(5) “Nonprofit community organization” means an organization that is exempt from taxation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(6) “Office” means the Office of Urban Opportunity within the Department of Economic Opportunity.
(7) “Qualified buyer” means a person who meets the criteria under s. 420.633.
(8) “Qualified loan rate” means an interest rate that does not exceed the interest rate charged for home improvement loans by the Federal Housing Administration under Title I of the National Housing Act, ch. 847, 48 Stat. 1246, or 12 U.S.C. ss. 1702, 1703, 1705, and 1706b et seq.
History.—s. 23, ch. 99-378; s. 23, ch. 2004-243; s. 337, ch. 2011-142.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.632 - Authority to operate.

420.632 Authority to operate.—By resolution, subject to federal and state law, and in consultation with the Office of Urban Opportunity, a local government or its designee may operate a program that makes foreclosed single-family housing properties available to qualified buyers to purchase. This urban homesteading program is intended to be one component of a comprehensive urban-core redevelopment initiative known as Front Porch Florida, implemented by the Office of Urban Opportunity.
History.—s. 23, ch. 99-378.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 420 - Housing › Part VI - Affordable Housing; Coalitions for Homeless; Family Emergency Assistance (Ss. 420.601-420.635) › 420.633 - Eligibility.

420.633 Eligibility.—An applicant is eligible to enter into a homestead agreement to acquire single-family housing property as a qualified buyer under ss. 420.630-420.635 if:
(1) The applicant or his or her spouse is employed and has been employed for the immediately preceding 12 months;
(2) The applicant or his or her spouse has not been convicted of a drug-related felony within the immediately preceding 3 years;
(3) All school-age children of the applicant or his or her spouse who will reside in the single-family housing property attend school regularly; and
(4) The applicant and his or her spouse have incomes below the median for the state, as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, for families with the same number of family members as the applicant and his or her spouse.
History.—s. 23, ch. 99-378.