GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Fees In Lieu of Security Deposits Legislation By: Max Brandow, RASM Government Affairs Director
L
egislation was filed recently concerning alternatives to the payment of security deposits on leases. Both House Bill 537 by Representative Jim Mooney and Senate Bill 884 by Senator Jim Boyd provide for a landlord to offer a tenant the option to pay a fee in lieu of a security deposit as part of a rental agreement. The fee may be a monthly fee or some other determined schedule. If you have specific feedback regarding this legislation please don’t hesitate to let us know by emailing publicpolicy@floridarealtors.org.
GREAT AMERICAN REALTOR® DAYS Florida REALTORS® Great American Realtor® Days (GARD) is right around the corner on February 7 - 9 in Tallahassee, Florida. GARD is your chance for YOUR opinions to make a difference in the real estate business in Florida. It’s your chance to stand up for your profession and for homeowners across the state. Held annually in the state Capitol, GARD, gives you the opportunity to travel to Tallahassee and shake hands and meet face-to-face with lawmakers before they weigh in on decisions that will impact how you do business. You’ll be there to make sure our elected leaders have the right information before voting on legislation that could hurt your bottom line, threaten the growth of your business, or make it harder for Floridians to buy their dream homes or sell their properties. You can make your voice heard on issues such as:
Is something in a real estate transaction complicating the process unnecessarily? Are escalating insurance premiums driving away buyers? Does the water quality in your area impact your sales? What about the taxes coming out of your pocket or the pockets of your clients, are they too high?
16 | ELEVATE [ DECEMBER 2021 ]
These are just a few examples of the issues state lawmakers might consider each year during the annual legislative session. Your involvement in GARD makes sure the voices of Realtors® and homebuyers and sellers are heard. Because your voice, our voice, the Realtor® voice matters. In past years, Realtors® who participated in GARD have been instrumental in legislation that:
Massively cuts the state sales tax on commercial leases. Provides important insurance reforms to help keep premiums affordable. Allocates significant funding for improved water quality throughout the state. Caps certain fees charged by community associations. Protects homeowners from excessive flood insurance increases. Authorizes online/remote notaries for more streamlined transactions. Provides new tools for closing open/expired permits. And much, much more If you have questions, please contact Suzanne Hughes in Florida Realtors® Office of Public Policy at 850-224-1400 or suzanneh@floridarealtors.org. Florida REALTORS® 2022 Great American Realtor® Days is scheduled for February 7-9, 2022. •
