The 2025 Florida Legislative Session marked a major milestone for Enterprise Community Partners. With the addition of a full-time staff member dedicated to state and local policy in Florida in 2024, Enterprise entered the session ready to advocate for policies that expand housing supply and improve affordability across the state.
This year’s session included extended negotiations between the Legislature and Governor DeSantis, largely driven by budget uncertainty. The expiration of pandemic-era federal funds and lower than expected state revenue forecasts contributed to a longer than usual session.
State Budget Overview
The legislative session began on March 4th and was originally scheduled to end on May 2nd. However, disagreements between the Governor and the Legislature over budget priorities led to two formal extensions. With the state constitution requiring a balanced budget by July 1st, pressure to finalize an agreement remained high. The session ultimately concluded on June 13th.
On June 30, Governor DeSantis signed a $115.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2025–2026. The budget reflects a more cautious fiscal outlook in response to slower revenue forecasts. While the Governor vetoed a significant portion of member-requested projects, the final budget preserved many of the state’s core investments, including housing and infrastructure.
Housing Budget
Despite economic constraints, Florida fully funded the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds for the upcoming fiscal year. The funds consist of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) programs, which are supported by revenue from the state’s documentary stamp tax on real estate transactions.
SHIP was funded at $163.8 million for fiscal year 2025–2026, down from $174 million the previous year. The program provides local governments with flexible resources to address affordable housing needs. SAIL received $71.2 million, compared to $84 million the year prior, offering low-interest loans for the development or rehabilitation of affordable multifamily housing. The decline in SHIP and SAIL funding reflects reduced documentary stamp tax collections due to fewer real estate transactions statewide.
Florida also continued funding for a second stream of SAIL, known as Innovative SAIL, established in 2023 through the Live Local Act. The Innovative SAIL program was designed to receive a $150 million allocation per year for ten years to support mixed-income workforce housing projects. While the full $150 million contribution was included again in this year’s budget, the legislature removed the original long-term funding commitment. Going forward, allocations will be determined annually, increasing the need for continued advocacy to ensure program stability.
Enterprise actively participated in the Sadowski Coalition throughout the session, including visits to Tallahassee and regular engagement with state lawmakers and housing partners to advocate for full funding of the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds.
Legislative Recap
Significant Bills That Passed
- Senate Bill 1730 – Affordable Housing
Often called “Live Local Act 3.0,” this legislation marked the third version of the landmark 2023 law, following updates in 2024. It expanded and clarified provisions to remove barriers to affordable housing in commercial, industrial, and mixed-use areas. Key updates included clearer eligibility standards and a reaffirmation that local governments cannot reduce height, density, or floor area ratio standards in an attempt to limit Live Local Act projects. It also introduced mandated parking reductions for developments near transit corridors.
A notable addition was the “Yes In God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) tool, which enables local governments to approve affordable housing on land owned by faith-based institutions, even where zoning doesn’t currently allow residential use, if at least 10 percent of units are affordable. Enterprise supported the bill and is working with local governments to encourage implementation of this tool. The Florida Housing Coalition has a helpful summary of SB 1730. - House Bill 393 – My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
This bill continued the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with a $30 million allocation for grants to help condo associations strengthen buildings against hurricanes and other disasters. Enterprise supported the measure and its inclusion in the state budget.
Bills We Successfully Opposed
- House Bill 991 – Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs)
This proposal would have terminated existing CRAs or prohibited them from launching new projects or issuing debt, severely limiting their ability to promote affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. Enterprise opposed the bill alongside the Florida League of Cities and CRA partners. It did not pass. - Senate Bill 1664 – Local Option Taxes
This bill threatened a dedicated funding stream in Miami-Dade County that supports homelessness services. Enterprise joined local advocates in opposing the measure, which ultimately failed.
Bills in Play for 2026
- Senate Bill 184 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
This legislation would have required local governments to allow ADUs by right across the state, overriding local restrictions and enabling more affordable housing options. Enterprise strongly supported the bill with partner organizations. Although expected to pass, it failed due to House-Senate disagreement over short-term rental language. It is likely to return in 2026. - Senate Bill 62 – Resilient Buildings
This bill proposed a corporate tax credit for buildings meeting LEED Resilient standards and would have created a Florida Resilient Building Advisory Council. Enterprise supported the measure and is advocating for the inclusion of Enterprise Green Communities criteria as the bill is expected to be updated and reintroduced next year. - Senate Bill 110 – Rural Renaissance Bill
Championed by the Senate President, this broad rural development bill included a major housing provision that would have increased SHIP allocations to rural counties from $350,000 to $1 million. Enterprise and the Sadowski Coalition raised concerns about the potential reductions to urban funding and successfully advocated for an additional $18 million to mitigate the possible impact. The bill did not pass but is expected to be reintroduced.
Looking Ahead
As attention turns to 2026, Enterprise is focused on engaging with state leaders during the off-session and throughout Florida’s Committee Weeks, which run from October through December. Enterprise will continue to work in coalition with housing partners to protect the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds, advance policies that support accessory dwelling units, and promote resilient building standards. With groundwork laid during the 2025 session, Enterprise is well-positioned to help shape the future of housing policy across the state in the year ahead.