DeSantis approves $711 million for affordable housing programs

A bipartisan affordable housing plan passed by Florida’s Legislature and intended to provide $711 million in funding for housing programs aimed, in part, at increasing the availability of housing and providing down payment assistance was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.

SB 102, referred to as the Live Local Act, nearly doubles the money provided to the housing programs last year according to a statement from the governor’s office. That previous amount, the governor’s office says, was the “highest investment” in the past 15 years.

The legislation, which won final approval from the House on March 24, was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Senate passed it unanimously March 8, and the House passed it 103-6, with 10 members abstaining.