Here’s how to build more needed homes in Florida

Florida’s rapid growth is a testament to the success of our state. With nearly 800 new residents arriving every day, this steady influx of people creates new opportunities, but also pressures housing supply. Demand continues to widen, exceeding availability and increasing home prices and rents has made it difficult for all Floridians, both new and lifelong residents, to find a home that suits their needs.

To maintain, states need to expand housing options across the board, not only focusing on what is traditionally considered “affordable housing.” Fortunately, there are practical solutions that can help mitigate this problem. By enacting common sense reforms, Florida can expand housing options and improve affordability across the state.

Housing is extremely important to Florida’s economy and its people. Achievable housing barriers can undermine geographical mobility and impede the ability of families to seek well-paid jobs in another community. This reduces their pursuit of happiness. This is a fundamental right engraved in our nation’s founding documents, and the Florida Legislature must act to remove these barriers and boost our community through better housing policies. That’s the reason.

One such reform is to eliminate single-family zoning throughout the state and boost “middle housing missing,” namely medium density options such as double-chain, triplex, and townhomes. These types of homes serve as a stepping stone between apartments and traditional detached homes, making homeownership more accessible to countless Florida families. Currently, detached house zoning limits the number of homes that can be placed in a particular area, limits the supply of homes, and increases prices for buyers and tenants. Florida will be able to expand the availability of missing intermediate homes, creating more diverse housing options, increasing supply and facilitating costs for families looking for places to call their homes. can.

Another important reform is to abolish restrictions on manufactured homes, small homes and other built homes. Florida currently has regulations on mobile and small homes, limiting where they are, how they can be used, what materials they can be built from, and more. These restrictions create a huge amount of bureaucratic red tape that can discourage many consumers from purchasing one of these homes. These increasingly popular alternative homes should be encouraged and are not hidden behind unnecessary restrictions or regulations.

Lawmakers should also consider relaxing housing density restrictions, including minimum lot size requirements imposed by cities and counties. These regulations block the construction of smaller, more affordable starter homes, which many families rely on as the first step to realizing their American dream home. Allowing small homes in small lots will help buyers and tenants create more options and find homes they can afford while more Floridians work towards their long-term goals. Masu.

Finally, the state should increase the availability of accessory housing units. This is an additional residential unit added to the property that already has a large home. These units cannot be installed or attached to the previous home. These small homes are generally very affordable, so existing restrictions need to be eased to increase the affordability of your home.

Through these meaningful changes, Florida can dramatically improve home availability and affordability. It is the best way to continue attracting new residents who will drive economic growth in our state into the future.

Skylar Zander is the American state director of prosperity Florida, often referred to as libertarians as conservative political action groups.