So, Mike went to Tallahassee (briefly) the last two weeks. Why? Not only to stay abreast of legislation percolating but to speak with our area representatives about the issues property owners are impacted by.

Here's the 411, condensed:

Legislative Update

We were with our state legislators over the last couple of weeks and it was a highly successful trip as we were able to pass a couple of bills that addresses squatters in vacant property and a bill that allows a landlord to keep security deposits in a bank that is physically located in Florida even though it was not chartered in Florida.

1)   Squatters SB 888 property Rights - Authorizing property owners or their authorized agents to request assistance from the sheriff from where the property is located for the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants from a residential dwelling under certain conditions; authorizing a sheriff to arrest an unauthorized occupant for legal cause; providing criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully presents a false document purporting to be a valid lease agreement, deed, or other instrument conveying real property rights, etc.

2)   Clarification of a Florida Bank Intuition SB 1466 HB 1305 Residential Tenancies: This becomes law upon Governor’s signature.

a)   "Florida financial institution" means a bank, credit 18 union, trust company, savings bank, or savings or thrift 19 association doing business under the authority of a charter 20 issued by the United States, this state, or any other state 21 which is authorized to transact business in this state and whose 22 deposits or share accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit 23 Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share 24 Insurance Fund

Another bill that we were following closely is SB 50 Homeowners Association Rules and Covenants:

3)   This bill states that all Homeowners Associations must mail or email a link a copy of the covenants and rules to all members by October 1, 2024. This can also be posted on the HOA web site. This still has to be signed by the governor.

Mike is "retired" from being the national Governmental Affairs chair for NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers) but because these issues impact our owners right here in Florida and our NE FL counties he's staying "plugged in" locally and now serves on the advocacy committee of 2 groups locally.

This kind of advocacy and activism has become necessary to protect your interests and rights as property owners, investment and otherwise!

If you are curious about the details of any of these issues, email marketing and we'll plug you in!

On another note, Jacksonville is in the limelight again, further underscoring why owning/investing in rental property here is still a smart play!

We're Attractive!

The Team at FPM Properties