This session appears that Florida legislatures have forgotten about one of the biggest issues Floridians are currently facing. Not only is this corporate-created inflation hurting people but living expenses have skyrocketed causing a housing crisis here for many people.
Hedge funds and investment firms are doing the public a disservice when they flood the market and buy up all the homes. They then turn around and jack up the prices on the rents in these units and control the local markets by manipulating sale prices. Real Estate lobbyists work very hard to keep their clients rich while screwing the little guys working hard to save to buy a home.
What used to cost $250K in my neighborhood is now over $425 in about 24 months. The same for the rents when I got here they were averaging around $1800 for a 2br 2bath but now that same rent is going for $2600. It makes no sense for these increases when wages have yet to rise to a liveable wage.
Saving to buy a home is becoming a thing of the past. Being able to save to put down a deposit is something out of reach for many now that prices have jumped so fast in the last 2 years during this pandemic. We need to have some sort of oversight to keep prices in check and rent increases capped to keep in line with wages. This American Dream to buy and own a home is becoming a nightmare for many.
As the Next Ag Commissioner, I propose to put on a task force to oversee the Real Estate sector properly. Rent gauging should not be allowed and access to affordable housing should be a human right. We need to make sure the homes people are living in are safe for habitation. We don’t need any more Surfside collapses to continue to happen. Someone needs to be held accountable and we will make sure we keep everyone safe in their homes.