Legislative session concludes with sweeping new rules aimed at reshaping real estate landscape
The 2025 Florida legislative session has concluded with what the Florida Association of Realtors calls a “major victory” for property owners, as lawmakers passed a range of new laws and funding measures set to reshape the state’s real estate landscape.
Among the most notable outcomes is a $50 million allocation for down-payment assistance programs targeting essential workers, including teachers and first responders. The initiative aims to help more Floridians achieve homeownership.
“At the end of the day, we gotta put our foot in the door. And I think that's how a lot of people see real estate nowadays,” Florida realtor Jack Cleary told Fox News.
Homeowners will also benefit from a $280 million boost to the My Safe Florida Home Program, which helps property owners fortify their homes against hurricanes and other storms.
“We only have so many buyers in the pool and we have a lot of inventory,” Cleary noted, highlighting the need to stimulate both demand and supply.
Commercial property owners scored a significant policy win with the repeal of the Business Rent Tax, a move Republican lawmakers say could save Florida businesses over $900 million.
“If those tax breaks give relief to corporations to allow them to grow and prosper in Florida, that is good for the employees, the Floridians that work for those companies,” said Rep. Lawrence McClure (R-District 68).
Property owners dealing with squatters, especially in commercial and vacation rentals, can also expect relief. New legislation now allows for swifter legal action to remove unlawful occupants.
“Being able to have them arrested or have that consequence over their head is great,” said Josh Bradley, a vacation rental owner. “They cost me a lot of money.”
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The session also produced new requirements for flood risk disclosures for long-term renters and increased transparency regarding mobile home park lot conditions.
However, not all lawmakers are satisfied.
“Housing affordability is a major crisis right now. Property insurance is out of control. And the reality is that this session did not deliver on any of those problems,” said Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orange County), pointing to persistent challenges that still need to be addressed.
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