WHY INVEST IN RPAC & THE REALTOR® PARTY?
Backing the Florida Realtors® PAC/RPAC/Realtor® Party gives you a voice at the local, state & national level — and protects your business interests.
As the only advocacy group in America that fights exclusively for homeownership, real estate investment, strong communities and the free enterprise system, the Realtor® Party is not focused on the right, left or even the middle of the aisle; it is focused on the issues that matter to existing and future homeowners and the real estate industry.
Florida Realtors® PAC/RPAC/Realtor® Party is not Republican; it isn’t Democrat; it doesn’t represent the independent voter; it doesn’t buy votes. It is simply a strong voice — and sometimes the only strong voice — fighting at the local, state & national level for our Realtors® and homeowners.
The REALTOR® Party is a powerful alliance of REALTORS® and REALTOR® Associations working to protect and promote homeownership and property investment. The REALTOR® Party speaks with one voice to advance candidates and public policies that build strong communities and promote a vibrant business environment.
State Legislative Wins & Political Victories:
The following Florida Realtors® budget priorities become effective on July 1, 2020:
More than $625 million for environmental projects – Significant amounts of funding were allocated for projects that help address Florida’s environmental issues. Included in the funding is more than $322 million for Everglades restoration projects, $50 million for springs restoration, $160 million for targeted water quality improvements, $40 million for alternative water supply, and $25 million to combat harmful algal blooms and red tide.
Preventing unlicensed real estate activity – The Legislature allocated up to $500,000 to combat unlicensed real estate activity.
$145 million for affordable housing projects – Although the governor reduced state funding for affordable housing projects from $370 million to $145 million, an additional $250 million in federal housing funding was made available to Florida last week for rental and mortgage assistance for individuals that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, Florida has $395 million available for affordable housing projects for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
The state portion of funding includes $115 million available for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program, $20 million for the Hurricane Housing Recovery Program, and $10 million for down payment and closing cost assistance in conjunction with the Homebuyer Loan Program.
The budget also provides $1 million to Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit organization that builds and modifies homes for veterans who were seriously injured while serving in the line of duty. The homes are gifted mortgage-free to veterans and their families.
Florida Realtors® biggest legislative victories:
Full funding of the housing trust funds ($370 million) — For the first time since 2006, lawmakers appropriated all funds available in the State and Local Government Housing Trust Funds for affordable housing programs. The full appropriation of $370 million includes $225 million for SHIP, which will result in an incredible increase in down-payment assistance, $115 million for SAIL and $30 million to assist Panhandle residents whose properties were devastated by Hurricane Michael.
Increased flexibility for affordable housing projects — The Legislature approved a measure that gives local governments increased flexibility regarding where they can build affordable housing developments.
Curbing emotional support animal certificate abuse — The Legislature passed a bill that will require a patient who needs an ESA certificate to see a licensed medical practitioner with whom they have an established professional relationship. The target of this new law is to reduce the abuse seen with online transactions to obtain these certificates.
Removal of blatant fair housing violations from documents — A bill was passed that removes discriminatory language from title transactions such as deeds, and expressly states the restrictions are unlawful, unenforceable and null and void. It also provides for summary removal of discriminatory restrictions from the governing documents of a property owners’ association.
$625 million for environmental projects — The Legislature continues to allocate record levels of funding for projects that help address Florida’s environmental issues. This year’s funding of more than $625 million includes money for Everglades restoration, springs protection, red tide research and a monumental amount of funding for wastewater facility treatment upgrades.
Another big step for water quality in Florida — The Legislature passed a comprehensive water quality bill that sets the blueprint for septic tank mitigation and replacement where available. It also addresses new reporting requirements for the agriculture industry and wastewater facilities.
Making commercial leases easier — The Legislature passed a measure that eliminates the outdated requirement in Florida law that requires two people to witness the signing of leases longer than a year.
Extending property tax benefits — The Legislature passed a joint resolution for the November 2020 ballot that extends the portability of a homestead property tax benefit from two years to three years.
Preventing unlicensed real estate activity — The Legislature allocated up to $500,000 to combat unlicensed real estate activity.
Local Legislative Actions & Victories:
Real Estate Deemed “Essential” Service During COVID Shutdown
Negotiating Vacation Rental County Plans
Combating Fire Assessment Fees
Opposing Increases in Local Millage Rates/Property Taxes
Striking down Landlord Registrations
Supporting Private Property Rights
Assisting in Environmental Rehabilitation
Securing Small Business Relief
Championing Easing of Harmful Small Business Regulation
Fighting for Full Funding of the Housing Trust Fund
Combating Unnecessary Sign Ordinances
Assisting in Easing or Removal of Harmful Zoning & Development Regulations
Partnering with Realtor® Party Champions to Further Realtor® Annual Priorities
Working with Florida Realtors® & NAR Colleagues to Advocate for Realtor® Ideals