Latest news with #HouseBill365
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida bill would ban these rent hikes for affordable housing. What to know
Have you ever had a landlord tell you your rent was going up in the middle of your lease? If a bill working its way through the Florida Legislature passes, they may not be able to, but only for low-income households. House Bill 365 blocks landlords who receive federal, state or local incentives for affordable housing from raising rents mid-lease. The restriction applies only to rental agreements of 13 months or less that begin on or after July 1, 2026. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Debra Tendrich, D-Lake Worth, has been approved by the House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism and Civil Justice and Claims subcommittees. It now goes to the House Commerce Committee and then the floor. The Senate version, SB 382, from Sen. Mack Bernard, D-by West Palm Beach, is in the Community Affairs committee. Rents and home prices in Florida have shot up in the last decade, although they have stabilized somewhat in the last couple of years, and housing remains a problem. "Affordable housing" is defined in Florida statutes as housing where monthly rents or mortgage payments — including taxes, insurance, and utilities — do not exceed 30% of area median annual adjusted gross income for low-income households within the state. These rates are determined annually by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) by county or Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). In Florida, the current statewide area median income (AMI) for a family of four is $88,600. Over 2.4 million low-income Florida households pay more than 30% of their incomes towards housing, according to a 2024 report from the Florida Housing Coalition. Over half of them — or 1.3 million low-income households — spend more than 50% of their income toward housing costs. "This makes it difficult for those households to save for retirement or emergencies and difficult to afford other necessities such as food and childcare," read an analysis of the bill. Under HB 365, which is only two pages, landlords of units that qualify as affordable housing who have received federal, state, or local funding or tax incentives because of that are prohibited from raising the rent during the term of a rental agreement. Landlords may still raise the rent if: A tenant is renewing their rental agreement The increase is required for compliance with federal laws, rules, or regulations If the Legislature passes it and Gov. Ron DeSantis signs it, the law would go into effect July 1, 2025 for rental contracts that begin on or after July 1, 2026. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Rent-hike ban in Florida for certain leases may become new law
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mississippi to honor its musical heritage with Musicians Month
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with Visit Mississippi announced the inaugural Mississippi Musicians Month this March 2025. The statewide celebration will honor the rich musical heritage of the state. Mississippi, renowned as the 'Birthplace of America's Music,' has produced legendary musicians whose influence spans genres like blues, gospel, jazz, and country. Pioneers like Charley Patton, Son House, Robert Johnson, and Jimmie Rodgers paved the way for the state's lasting legacy in shaping modern music. Cathead Jam 2025 returns to Jackson, celebrating music and community In March 2024, House Bill 365, authored by State Rep. Missy McGee, was signed into law, officially designating March as Mississippi Musicians Month. As part of the month-long festivities, Visit Mississippi invites tourism partners across the state to submit their music-related events for promotion on the official Visit Mississippi website. 'Mississippi's musical legacy is unparalleled, and Mississippi Musicians Month provides an opportunity for all of us to come together to celebrate the artists who have defined and continue to shape the world's musical landscape,' said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Tourism at Visit Mississippi. 'From the Delta blues to the soul of gospel and the rhythm of country, Mississippi is a true musical treasure. We encourage our tourism partners, communities, and music fans to join us in this celebration by submitting events to our website and using the hashtag #MSMusiciansMonth to amplify Mississippi's musical legacy.' This celebration is a part of Visit Mississippi's yearlong campaign, 'Birthplace of America's Music,' which began with a music-themed float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, celebrating milestone birthdays for musical icons Elvis Presley and B.B. King. In February, Visit Mississippi recognized 2025 GRAMMY Award nominees Cedric Burnside and Steve Azar, two artists who continue to carry the Mississippi music tradition forward. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
