Florida – Despite legislative attempts to solve the affordability crisis, a recent study shows that Florida’s “workforce” housing still out of reach for many public sector employees. Released Thursday by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI), the results cast doubt on the Live Local Act’s effectiveness in 2023, legislation meant to provide access to affordable homes for critical workers.
If they are the only breadwinners in their homes, the average incomes of firefighters, paramedics, teachers, and law enforcement officials fall below 80% of the area median income (AMI), according to the report “Can Florida’s Public Workforce Afford to ‘Live Local’?. Under the current Live Local Act criteria, this salary level is often insufficient to guarantee homes promoted as “workforce” are affordable.
“Housing affordability is one piece of the larger issue, which is that the cost of living in Florida makes it very hard for families to thrive,” said Sadaf Knight, CEO of FPI, in a statement. “Although ‘dignity’ was a repeated virtue and goal when Live Local’s supporters were making the case for the measure, working Floridians who are single parents or living alone are often denied that dignity at ‘workforce’ AMIs.”
Supported by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023, the Live Local Act sought to increase the supply of affordable homes statewide. Although the law included steps to encourage growth and provide large funds for housing projects, many contend that its execution has failed lower-income families.
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The study implies that many public sector employees find the present AMI standards used to define affordability too high. FPI advises modifying the AMI ranges or allocating a certain amount for reduced AMI levels in order to close this disparity. Without these adjustments, the housing crisis might linger for vital employees who support public safety, education, and emergency services.
One clause in the statute, SB 328, set aside $100 million for the Florida Hometown Hero Project. This program seeks to assist public personnel including police, nurses, teachers, and other professionals buy houses. Although this action offers some relief, analysts contend it does not solve the fundamental problem of family affordability given low wages.
The survey also emphasizes how Florida’s growing cost of living aggravates the housing issue. Rising house prices and rent combined with stagnate pay leave many public sector employees unable to reside in the areas they serve. In a three- or four-person household with one income, things are extremely difficult.
Advocates are pushing legislators to review and improve the Live Local Act to more accurately reflect the financial reality experienced by Florida’s public workforce. Suggestions include incorporating stricter affordability guidelines, lowering AMI thresholds, and ensuring more equitable allocation of resources.
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For now, many Florida workers still find that the promise of “dignity” is elusive as the state struggles with a growing disparity between earnings and housing costs. More focused initiatives will be required when the report ends to guarantee that essential employees can afford to live in the areas they serve.
