Homes for All Floridians

Introduction

As one of the fastest-growing and most populous states in the nation, Florida faces a range of complex and pressing housing challenges. From the skyrocketing costs of living in our major cities to the devastating impacts of hurricanes and sea level rise on our coastal communities, the need for safe, affordable, and resilient housing has never been greater. At the same time, Florida's housing landscape is shaped by a long history of discrimination, segregation, and disinvestment that has created deep disparities in access to opportunity and wealth for low-income communities and communities of color (Nelson & Edwards, 2021).

This book aims to provide a comprehensive and solutions-oriented analysis of the affordable housing crisis in Florida, drawing on the latest research, data, and insights from practitioners, policymakers, and impacted communities across the state. Each chapter explores a key dimension of the crisis, from the shortage of affordable rental housing to the barriers to homeownership to the challenges of homelessness and special needs housing. The book also examines the cross-cutting issues of racial equity, climate resilience, and community empowerment that are essential to advancing housing justice and opportunity for all Floridians.

Throughout the book, readers will find a mix of quantitative and qualitative evidence, policy analysis, and storytelling that brings to life the human impacts and innovative solutions of the affordable housing movement in Florida. From the groundbreaking work of community land trusts in Miami and Tampa to the successful campaign to pass the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the book highlights the ways in which communities and advocates are leading the way in creating more just and sustainable housing policies and practices.

At the same time, the book does not shy away from the difficult questions and challenges that must be addressed to truly transform Florida's housing system. How can we overcome the political and economic barriers to increasing public investment in affordable housing? How can we ensure that new development and redevelopment projects benefit rather than displace low-income communities and communities of color? And how can we build the power and leadership of those most impacted by housing insecurity to drive meaningful and lasting change?

By grappling with these questions and offering concrete strategies and recommendations for action, this book seeks to inform and inspire a broad range of stakeholders to join the movement for housing justice in Florida. Whether you are a policymaker, practitioner, advocate, funder, or concerned citizen, there is a role for everyone to play in advancing the vision of homes for all Floridians.

The book is organized into three main sections. The first section provides an overview of Florida's housing landscape, including the key demographic and economic trends driving housing demand, the historical and policy context shaping housing outcomes, and the regional variations and challenges facing different parts of the state. The second section dives deeper into specific housing issues and strategies, including rental affordability, homeownership access, housing resilience, homelessness prevention, and fair housing. And the final section focuses on the policy and advocacy landscape, offering recommendations for key policy levers, cross-sector partnerships, and community engagement strategies to advance systemic change.

Throughout the book, readers will also find several recurring themes and principles that guide the analysis and recommendations. These include:

1. Housing as a human right: The book starts from the premise that safe, affordable, and stable housing is a basic human need and a fundamental right that should be guaranteed to all Floridians, regardless of their income, race, or background.

2. Racial equity and justice: The book centers the experiences and leadership of low-income communities and communities of color who have been most impacted by housing insecurity and discrimination, and advocates for solutions that advance racial equity and address the root causes of housing disparities.

3. Community empowerment and ownership: The book lifts up models and strategies that prioritize community control, ownership, and decision-making over housing and land use, and that build the power and capacity of residents and neighborhoods to shape their own futures.

4. Cross-sector collaboration and systems change: The book recognizes that housing is deeply interconnected with other systems and issues, from health and education to transportation and economic development, and calls for holistic and collaborative approaches that break down silos and advance equitable and sustainable development.

5. Bold vision and urgent action: The book does not settle for incremental or piecemeal solutions, but instead challenges readers to think big and act boldly to transform Florida's housing system and advance a vision of homes for all Floridians.

By grounding the book in these core principles and offering a comprehensive and actionable analysis of Florida's affordable housing landscape, my hope is that "Homes for All Floridians" will serve as a valuable resource and catalyst for the growing movement for housing justice and equity in our state. The stakes could not be higher, and the time for action is now. Let us work together to build a Florida where everyone has a place to call home and a chance to thrive.