Florida Realtors®
2010 Legislative Priorities: The 10,000-foot view

February, 2010

The Florida Realtors® legislative agenda continues to focus on revitalizing Florida’s economy and strengthening the real estate market.  We will oppose legislation that would hinder Florida’s real estate market recovery and support proposals that encourage further economic growth…

During the 2010 session of the Florida Legislature, Florida Realtors® will work to:
•    Stabilize and protect the state’s property insurance market. There are a number of property insurance proposals that have been filed for the 2010 legislative session.  Specifically, Florida Realtors® will be supporting HB 545 and SB 2190 that repeals a windstorm rating disclosure for residential properties being sold in Florida’s windborne debris region.  Florida Realtors® also support HB 561 which creates the “Distressed Condominium Relief Act,” and, among other things, allows for bulk buying of condo units and repeals a provision in current law regarding contents coverage for individual unit owners.

•    Hold the line on real estate-related taxes and fees. Economists are projecting a budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year, and federal stimulus dollars will soon disappear.  Political pressure will be placed on legislators to uncover new and examine existing revenue sources.  Florida Realtors must be part of the solution to the state’s budget woes while protecting a vital economic engine for our state.

•    Support initiatives for a more equitable property tax system for business and new residents from out-of-state. Amendment 3, or a better alternative planned for the 2010 Session, will be on the November ballot and will continue the mission of making Florida’s property tax system fairer to all. Support SJR 1254 and HJR 655.

•    Ensure that legislative efforts concerning the foreclosure of residential rental properties are fair and equitable to all parties.

•    Secure funds to prevent, combat and publicize the dangers of unlicensed real estate activity. Florida’s budget in 2010 will continue to be the most challenging task before the Legislature.  Florida Realtors® will work hard to ensure funding for our industry is maintained out of the Real Estate Trust Fund.

•    Promote smarter growth initiatives while protecting Florida’s environment. There is a continuing push to legislate standards regarding the Wekiva River Basin as well as Florida’s inland waterways.  Florida Realtors® will work to maintain a balance between private property rights, affordable housing, and a healthy environment.

•    Ensure that real estate transactions don’t get cluttered with unnecessary disclosures. As mentioned above, Florida Realtors® will advocate for HB 545 and SB 2190 that will repeal a windstorm rating disclosure set to begin in 2011.  This disclosure will confuse consumers and not lead to a hardening of Florida’s properties.  We will also be on the lookout for other disclosures, including the “adjacent to agricultural lands” disclosure that could develop during the final, frantic days of session.

•    Support HB 303 and SB 1552 regarding the regulation of Real Estate Appraisers & Appraisal Management Companies.

•    Ensure regulations do not unfairly burden the rental or sale of community association real property.

•    Continue to advocate for housing assistance for our state’s most needy residents. The Florida Realtors® will continue to push for the removal of an artificial cap on the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds. We also strongly advocate for the full appropriation of housing monies in those funds. Support HB 665, HB 95, SB 1250 and SB 1432.

•   Partner with NAR on federal legislative priorities.  Issues such as HVCC, health insurance, natural disaster insurance, homebuyer tax credits, tainted drywall, real estate finance issues and energy labeling of properties are incredibly important to Florida Realtors®.

Florida Realtors® appreciate the difficulties that face our state leaders; but in the end, we all want the same thing — a better Florida for families and businesses.