Here's What Florida Realtors Is Watching During the 2026 Session

Support the Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Across Florida, thousands of hard-working residents — teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and so many others — dream of owning a home in the communities they serve. But for too many, that dream remains out of reach. The single biggest obstacle? The down payment.

That’s why the Hometown Heroes Housing Program has been a lifeline. Created and supported by the Florida Legislature, this program has opened the doors of homeownership for tens of thousands of Floridians since 2022. Through zero-interest loans that cover down payment and closing costs, it’s helped families plant roots, build stability, and invest in the neighborhoods they call home. Borrowers repay the loan only when they sell, rent, or transfer the title — allowing the program to keep helping others for years to come.

With the Legislature’s current $350 million investment, the program has been an overwhelming success — proof that when we invest in our people, our communities grow stronger. But as home affordability issues linger and demand continues to surge, the need for additional funding is clear.

During the 2026 legislative session, Florida Realtors asks lawmakers to invest more funding into the Hometown Heroes Housing Program — ensuring it can become self-sustaining, where the payback from earlier loans fuels the dreams of future generations of Floridians.

Expand the Availability of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Across Florida, the dream of finding an affordable home has grown harder to reach. Rising housing costs and limited supply have left too many Floridians — from young professionals to aging parents — searching for practical, affordable options within their own communities.

But sometimes, the solution isn’t found in building new neighborhoods — it’s in reimagining the ones we already have.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — small, self-contained homes built on the same property as a primary residence — hold incredible potential to ease Florida’s housing crunch. Whether it’s a converted garage, a backyard cottage, or an upstairs apartment, ADUs provide flexible, affordable living spaces that fit naturally within existing neighborhoods. Each unit includes its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and entrance — offering independence and dignity for tenants while preserving privacy for homeowners.

For property owners, ADUs are more than just an addition — they’re an opportunity. They can provide a steady stream of income to help families afford rising costs, care for loved ones, or age in place. And for renters, they create new pathways to safe, affordable housing in the communities they already know and love.

To unlock this potential statewide, Florida Realtors asks lawmakers to vote YES on SB 48 by Sen. Don Gaetz. This important legislation encourages the creation of more ADUs by requiring local governments to adopt ordinances allowing them in any area zoned for single-family residential use. By empowering homeowners and expanding housing choice, this bill offers a simple, effective way to increase affordability — not by changing the character of our neighborhoods, but by strengthening them.

Lessen the Tax Burden on Florida’s Homeowners

For generations, owning a home has been at the heart of the American dream — a symbol of stability, pride, and the promise of a better future. But today, that dream feels increasingly out of reach for many Floridians.

Families across the state are facing mounting financial pressure from every direction. They include high property values, interest rates, property insurance premiums, and property taxes. The moment a home is sold, a property tax reassessment happens — discouraging long-time owners from moving and making it harder for first-time buyers to enter the market.

These barriers don’t just affect individual families — they ripple through entire communities. When homeowners feel locked in place and buyers can’t afford to take the first step, neighborhoods stagnate, and opportunities for growth and mobility are lost. It’s no wonder the average age of a first-time homebuyer has climbed from 28 to 38 over the past three decades — a stark reflection of the growing challenges that stand between Floridians and the dream of homeownership.

Given the importance of reducing barriers to homeownership and increasing mobility for both owners and prospective purchasers, Florida Realtors supports measures that help lessen property taxes while not hampering local governments’ ability to provide essential services.

As lawmakers consider this critical issue during the 2026 legislative session, Florida Realtors stands ready to partner with them — bringing expertise, insight, and a shared commitment to keeping Florida the nation’s leading place to live, work, and thrive.

Preserve Beneficial Attainable Workforce Housing Strategies

In 2023, the Florida Legislature took historic action to address one of our state’s most pressing challenges — housing affordability. With the passage of the Live Local Act, lawmakers made a bold commitment to ensuring that hard-working Floridians can afford to live in the communities they serve.

The Live Local Act represents the most comprehensive and far-reaching housing legislation Florida has seen in more than thirty years. It made substantial, long-term investments in homebuying and affordable rental opportunities while encouraging private investment to strengthen the state’s housing programs. In doing so, it became a model for how public and private sectors can work together to build a stronger, more resilient Florida.

But as with any major legislation, the path forward requires thoughtful stewardship. As local governments, developers, and communities implement the Act, some adjustments may be necessary to refine its processes and prevent unintended outcomes. These refinements, however, should never come at the expense of the Act’s bold vision — or the progress it has already achieved in expanding attainable housing options across our state.

That’s why, during the 2026 legislative session, Florida Realtors asks lawmakers to preserve the innovative strategies and dedicated funding that make the Live Local Act so effective. Together, we can continue to empower communities, attract new investment, and ensure that Floridians can live near where they work — reducing commutes, strengthening families, and enhancing quality of life.

Support the My Safe Florida Home and My Safe Florida Condo Programs

Every Floridian understands the power of a storm. From the Panhandle to the Keys, we’ve seen firsthand how one hurricane can change everything — turning lives upside down and homes inside out. But we also know the strength and resilience that defines our state. Floridians don’t wait for the next storm; we prepare for it.

That’s why programs like My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) and the My Safe Florida Condo (MSFC) pilot program are so vital. Florida lawmakers deserve tremendous credit for their continued support of these initiatives, which have already helped thousands of homeowners protect what matters most.

Since its launch in 2022, the MSFH program has been a model of success. As of October 2025, it has provided 122,000 free home inspections and reimbursed homeowners nearly $385 million in grant funding. These efforts have resulted in more than 63,000 approved home hardening grants — making Florida’s homes stronger, safer, and more storm-resistant.

But the benefits go beyond safety. For many families, these upgrades have also brought meaningful financial relief — lowering insurance premiums by an average of $880 per household since the program’s inception. Every dollar saved represents peace of mind, stability, and the ability to reinvest in the community.

Still, the demand for home hardening support continues to grow. Thousands more families are waiting for the chance to make their homes safer before the next storm season.

That’s why Florida Realtors asks lawmakers to support additional funding for the MSFH and MSFC programs during the 2026 legislative session. Expanding these programs means expanding protection — empowering more Floridians to fortify their homes, lower their costs, and build resilience for the future.

Continue to Support Water Quality Efforts

No one comes to Florida to see mountains — they come to see the water. Our rivers, springs, beaches, and wetlands are the heart of who we are as Floridians. They shape our communities, fuel our economy, and define our way of life. From the crystal-clear springs of North Florida to the mangroves of the Keys, these waters are more than scenic treasures — they are the foundation of our identity and our prosperity.

Thankfully, the Florida Legislature has long recognized the importance of protecting these irreplaceable resources. Through sustained leadership and investment, lawmakers have committed hundreds of millions of dollars each year to improve water quality, restore ecosystems, and safeguard the health of Florida’s natural environment for generations to come.

Those investments are paying off — but the work is far from finished.

During the 2026 legislative session, Florida Realtors asks lawmakers to continue their strong support for water quality and resilience efforts across the state. Continued investment in the Everglades, Florida’s springs and beaches, and critical water restoration projects will ensure that Florida remains the best place to live, work, and play. We also ask that legislators maintain funding for programs that address rising sea levels in coastal communities; reduce the harmful effects of blue-green algae on our waterways; and mitigate the impact of failing septic systems on water quality without infringing on the private property rights of owners and impacting the complex nature of real estate transactions. 

Florida’s growth and success are inseparable from the health of its waters. By continuing to invest in these vital programs, lawmakers will not only preserve the state’s natural beauty — they’ll safeguard the very quality of life that draws people here and keeps them proud to call Florida home.

Monitor the Effectiveness of Ongoing Property Insurance Reforms

Few issues impact Florida homeowners more directly than the cost and availability of property insurance. That’s why Florida Realtors applauds the Florida Legislature for taking unprecedented steps during the December 2022 Special Session to stabilize Florida’s challenging property insurance market. The 2023 Legislature followed up with increased consumer protections and insurer accountability measures, and the foundation was laid for a revitalized and more stable property insurance market.

And the results are beginning to show. According to continued updates from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation:

• Florida’s property insurance premiums saw the lowest rate of increase in the nation last year.
• Frivolous claims litigation (a significant contributor to high premiums) has declined sharply, with insurance litigation filings falling 23% year-over-year from 2023 to 2024 and remaining below pre-2018 levels;
• 17 new property insurers have entered the Florida market;
• Citizens Property Insurance policy counts have significantly decreased;
• Reinsurers worldwide are now meeting the needs of Florida insurers;

While these reports are encouraging, the average property insurance premium remains elevated, presenting a persistent barrier to achieving and maintaining homeownership. As such, Florida Realtors asks that during the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers continue to monitor the effectiveness of the reforms, explore additional remedies that can expedite this process, and seek further solutions to provide relief to policyholders.

Uphold Condominium Safety and Affordability

The tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, in June 2021 was a stark reminder of the critical importance of condominium safety. That heartbreaking event catalyzed a series of comprehensive reforms over the past several years — reforms designed to protect residents, ensure buildings are structurally sound, and provide prospective purchasers with transparent information about a condominium’s physical and financial condition.

While these reforms have significantly increased condominium safety, it comes with costs. The increased financial responsibilities associated with maintaining compliance have created new challenges for both current unit owners and those looking to purchase a condo. Recognizing this, the Florida Legislature passed legislation in 2025 that eases certain deadlines and improves transparency around condominium documents — measures that have helped many owners and buyers navigate the evolving landscape.

Yet the work is not finished. To ensure that condominiums remain a viable and attractive housing option for Floridians, continued vigilance is essential.

During the 2026 legislative session, Florida Realtors asks lawmakers to monitor the progress of past condominium reforms and explore additional solutions that support unit owners in implementing these requirements without compromising safety. By balancing protection with affordability, Florida can continue to provide safe, livable, and accessible condominium communities for current residents and future homeowners alike.

Protect Private Property Rights

The right to use and enjoy one’s property is a cornerstone of private property ownership. Private property rights form the foundation of economic opportunity, personal freedom, and community development. They encourage investment, innovation, and responsible stewardship by ensuring that individuals have the ability to make decisions about how their property is used. When property rights are respected and protected, families, businesses, and entire communities thrive.

In recent years, property owners across Florida have faced growing challenges from burdensome regulations and restrictive local ordinances that limit how they may use, develop, or manage their property. While it is important to balance the needs of local communities, excessive or inconsistent restrictions often create uncertainty and diminish the value of private ownership.

During the 2026 legislative session, Florida Realtors encourages state lawmakers to prioritize the preservation and protection of private property rights to ensure that property owners are treated fairly and protected from unnecessary regulations. By upholding property rights, lawmakers can help maintain the stability, prosperity, and a sense of independence that have long defined the American dream.