House panel votes up bill to protect affordable housing tenants from mid-lease rent increases

More protection for affordable housing tenants could be coming to Florida.

Members of the House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee voted 15-0 for HB 365, which would bar landlords who receive federal, state or local incentives from raising rents mid-lease on affordable units.

The restriction would apply to rental agreements up to 13 months executed on or after July 1, 2026. Landlords would be able to hike rents if federal rules mandate it to remain eligible for housing incentives.

“This will strike a balance by protecting tenants from unexpected rental increase while also safeguarding landlords,” said bill sponsor Rep. Debra Tendrich.

– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics