TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers have introduced a bill that might transform life for thousands of mobile home residents, which could expand protections against steep rent hikes and tightening rules on park owners.
Senate Bill 1550, filed this week by Democratic Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis of Ocoee, seeks to amend state laws governing mobile home park tenancies. If passed, the measure would take effect on July 1, introducing more rigorous standards on rent increases and evictions while boosting compensation for displaced homeowners.
Under current law, mobile home owners who rent lots in parks commonly experience unpredictable rent jumps, at times leading to evictions or forced relocations. The new bill aims to curb that by requiring park owners to offer solid proof, such as invoices, when proposing higher lot rental amounts. It also mandates rent reductions if parks cut back on amenities, services, or utilities.
Courts would gain more factors to weigh when deciding if a rent increase is unreasonable. These include the number of active home sales in the park at the time of the notice, any incentives or discounts offered to new buyers, and the number of mobile homes abandoned to the park owner in the prior year to avoid eviction.
Eviction rules get an overhaul, too. The bill revises the circumstances under which tenancies can be terminated and allows injured parties to file complaints directly with the state Department of Legal Affairs. It also authorizes the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes to enforce compliance more robustly.
For residents forced out by land-use changes, state compensation would rise significantly. Single-section mobile home owners could receive $6,500 plus moving expenses, up from $3,000. Multi-section owners would receive $11,500, up from the current $6,000. In cases of abandonment to avoid relocation, the state payout jumps to $5,000 for single-section and $7,000 for multi-section homes, with park owners contributing $1,375 or $2,750, respectively, to the state fund.
A companion measure, House Bill 703, filed last month by a House sponsor, duplicates the Senate version and covers similar ground on rent factors, tenancy terminations, and resident protections.
Florida’s mobile home communities, home to over 800,000 residents, have long been a flashpoint for disputes over rising costs and owner rights. Advocates say the changes could provide much-needed stability in a state hit hard by housing affordability issues, though park operators might argue that it adds burdensome regulations.