Governor Bush Signs Hurricane Housing Recommendations Into Law

GOVERNOR BUSH SIGNS HURRICANE HOUSING RECOMMENDATIONS INTO LAW

~~ ~~ $250 million in affordable housing money goes to hardest hit communities ~~ ~~

TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today signed into law House Bill 1889, which includes $250 million in funding for affordable housing recommended by the Hurricane Housing Work Group. The Work Group, chaired by Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, developed interim and long-term strategies to spend this one-time funding to mitigate the impact of the hurricanes on the people and communities in the state.

"Floridians saw a hurricane season like no other last year, leaving many people struggling to find adequate, affordable housing in the wake of the destruction that bore down on our state," said Governor Bush. "Through the recommendations of the Hurricane Housing Work Group, and with the help of the Legislature, we were able to secure resources to address longer-term housing concerns in storm-damaged areas."

The law provides:

Ø $208 million for the Hurricane Housing Recovery Program

o $165.9 million for hardest hit or Tier I Counties (Escambia, Charlotte, St. Lucie, DeSoto, Santa Rosa, Indian River, Hardee, Brevard, Polk, Okeechobee and Martin)

o $31.1 million for Tier II Counties (Osceola, Palm Beach, Highlands, Volusia, Lee and Orange)

o $10.3 million for Tier III Counties (Putnam, Marion, Okaloosa, Hendry, Dixie, Glades, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Levy and Bradford)

Ø $42 million for the Rental Recovery Loan Program

"Hurricane season starts next week, but many Floridians are still recovering from the four catastrophic storms that struck our state last year," said Lt. Governor Jennings. "Housing experts, business leaders and local officials came to the table and developed meaningful solutions to help storm victims rebuild their lives."

"No one envisioned the incredible revenue growth we have experienced in recent years and its positive effect on documentary stamp tax revenues," said Senator Jeff Atwater, R- North Palm Beach and Senate sponsor of the bill. "These changes to the law we are making today will allow us the opportunity to better manage long-term budget needs and provide for future growth in our state."

Under the provisions of the bill, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation will be authorized to adopt emergency rules to implement the recommendations expeditiously.

"We are proud of the ongoing state partnership with local governments to meet the needs of Floridians," said Rep. Joe Negron, R-Stuart and House sponsor of the bill. "House Bill 1889 and funding for housing options underscore our commitment to keeping our citizens safe and sheltered now and in the future."

For more information on the recommendations of the Governor's Hurricane Housing Workgroup please visit, www.myflorida.com .

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