Orange County approves nearly half a million dollars for home repair help. Here’s how to qualify
Read full article: Orange County approves nearly half a million dollars for home repair help. Here’s how to qualifyThis week, Orange County commissioners voted unanimously to allocate $460,000 to Rebuild Together Greater Florida, a nonprofit organization that helps low and moderate-income families with housing repairs.
Half of Floridians consider leaving state, poll shows. Here’s why
Read full article: Half of Floridians consider leaving state, poll shows. Here’s whyThe majority of Floridians are hanging on to the “American Dream,” but rising housing costs and everyday expenses make it difficult to achieve, the Florida Atlantic University poll found.
Residents evacuated from Altamonte Springs apartments told they can’t return
Read full article: Residents evacuated from Altamonte Springs apartments told they can’t returnTenants who were evacuated from the Altamonte Terrace Apartments over structural issues are now being told they have to move out by Friday, leaving them without homes.
Homelessness among Brevard boomers grows while lawsuit puts grant for housing project in legal limbo
Read full article: Homelessness among Brevard boomers grows while lawsuit puts grant for housing project in legal limboApollo Gardens in Titusville is a $75 million complex with dozens of units for elderly homeless people and people with disabilities who are homeless. But a chunk of funding for the project is in limbo, a bystander in the Trump Administration’s march to tie federal funding to compliance with the president’s executive orders.
Habitat for Humanity cuts ribbon on ‘life-changing’ 10th Parramore home this year
Read full article: Habitat for Humanity cuts ribbon on ‘life-changing’ 10th Parramore home this yearHabitat for Humanity is celebrating the completion of its 10th home built in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood over the last year.
Greystar and other landlords agree to a $141M deal to settle a rent-setting lawsuit
Read full article: Greystar and other landlords agree to a $141M deal to settle a rent-setting lawsuitGreystar and 25 other property management companies have agreed to pay over $141 million to settle a class action lawsuit.
Demings defends Orange County spending at affordable housing complex groundbreaking
Read full article: Demings defends Orange County spending at affordable housing complex groundbreakingOfficials broke ground Thursday on a new affordable housing development in West Orlando, marking the latest effort to address the region’s growing housing affordability crisis.
Central Florida’s affordable housing problem traps families in poverty cycle, advocates say
Read full article: Central Florida’s affordable housing problem traps families in poverty cycle, advocates sayCentral Florida continues to experience one of the worst affordable housing markets in the country, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Rep. Frost introduces bills to fight excessive rental fees, ban credit screening for tenants
Read full article: Rep. Frost introduces bills to fight excessive rental fees, ban credit screening for tenantsWe asked News 6’s social media followers what kind of fees they pay on top of their rent. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, said the fees are adding cost burdens to an already cost-burdened rental market.
Mobile home residents in Central Florida face eviction risks as lot rents surge
Read full article: Mobile home residents in Central Florida face eviction risks as lot rents surgeMobile home residents in Central Florida say they are being priced out of what was supposed to be an affordable place to live.
Orlando leaders celebrate completion of hotel transformation into affordable housing complex
Read full article: Orlando leaders celebrate completion of hotel transformation into affordable housing complexThe ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a major milestone in the city’s $58 million Accelerate Orlando initiative — a federally funded plan aimed at expanding housing and homelessness support across the city.
4.5% of Osceola County students face housing insecurity. How the school district tries to help
Read full article: 4.5% of Osceola County students face housing insecurity. How the school district tries to helpAmong the 73,558 students in Osceola County schools, there is a segment of students—3,314, at last count—who struggle with more than projects, peer pressure, testing, and tardiness. These students face all those things in addition to some form of homelessness.
Orange County’s blueprint for affordable living takes shape. Here’s how Ready Set Orange works
Read full article: Orange County’s blueprint for affordable living takes shape. Here’s how Ready Set Orange worksWe are seeing Orange County’s initiative to streamline the construction of affordable housing take shape.
‘We would have been homeless:’ Free legal aid gets results for families facing housing crisis
Read full article: ‘We would have been homeless:’ Free legal aid gets results for families facing housing crisisIn Seminole County, there’s now expanded access to free legal assistance for low-income tenants facing housing challenges. It’s a resource provided by Seminole County Legal Aid (SCLA) in a space that’s now available, thanks to the Clerk of Court.
Altamonte Springs celebrates opening of new affordable housing development
Read full article: Altamonte Springs celebrates opening of new affordable housing developmentLocated near the Altamonte Springs SunRail station, Banyan Eastown Apartments includes one- and two-bedroom units in energy-efficient, three-story buildings with elevators. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, computer lab, and meeting rooms.
Thousands in Central Florida struggle to find rental units they can afford
Read full article: Thousands in Central Florida struggle to find rental units they can affordThe latest studies indicate that, despite extensive efforts from the public and nonprofit sectors, the number of affordable homes in Central Florida has been falling, even as the overall supply of homes has gone up.
Daily Bread prepares to phase out homeless services after Melbourne’s vote to close soup kitchen
Read full article: Daily Bread prepares to phase out homeless services after Melbourne’s vote to close soup kitchenDuring the two-year gap between closing Daily Bread and opening apartments that will be built for homeless people on Apollo Boulevard called Providence Place, the team will serve the community through mobile outreach like food trucks.
Melbourne meeting Tuesday could finalize Daily Bread closure, affordable housing plan
Read full article: Melbourne meeting Tuesday could finalize Daily Bread closure, affordable housing planThe Daily Bread, a homeless outreach center that served hundreds of people in the Melbourne area is set to close in a matter of weeks, and a meeting Tuesday could finalize the next step.
Trump administration throws hundreds of affordable housing projects into limbo after contract cuts
Read full article: Trump administration throws hundreds of affordable housing projects into limbo after contract cutsThe Associated Press has found that the Trump administration has stalled at least $60 million in funding intended largely for affordable housing developments nationwide.
Trump administration looks to slash HUD workers tackling the housing crisis
Read full article: Trump administration looks to slash HUD workers tackling the housing crisisThe Trump administration’s proposal to layoff half of federal workers at the nation’s housing agency is targeting employees who support disaster recovery, rental subsidies, discrimination investigations and first-time homebuyers, according to two documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Orange County school employees get priority access to 20 affordable apartments units. Union says it’s not enough
Read full article: Orange County school employees get priority access to 20 affordable apartments units. Union says it’s not enoughLeaders at Orange County Public Schools are trying to solve the issue of staff shortages by giving some of the district's employees priority access to affordable housing.
Despite slumping sales, prices in Orlando housing market reach all-time highs
Read full article: Despite slumping sales, prices in Orlando housing market reach all-time highsThe median home price in 2024 was $385,000, an all-time high and a 3.9% increase year-over-year. Total sales, though, fell 7.1% compared to 2023, based on data the association pulls from Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties.
Flagler County, Palm Bay work on affordable housing solutions
Read full article: Flagler County, Palm Bay work on affordable housing solutionsFlagler County is known for it's beautiful beaches and small-town feel, but the rising cost of housing is making it feel just as unaffordable as some big cities and counties.
‘It’s changed a lot:’ How a Pine Hills affordable housing complex helped part of the community
Read full article: ‘It’s changed a lot:’ How a Pine Hills affordable housing complex helped part of the communityAlong Silver Star Road in the heart of Pine Hills is where you'll find Hawthorne Park — a 120-unit affordable housing development exclusively for seniors.
‘Home for the Holidays:’ Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 1st home in Osceola County
Read full article: ‘Home for the Holidays:’ Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 1st home in Osceola CountyHabitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County broke ground on a new home in Kissimmee Friday morning, as part of their Annual "Home for the Holidays" build.
Housing on the ballot: Harris, Trump push different plans for tackling housing affordability crisis
Read full article: Housing on the ballot: Harris, Trump push different plans for tackling housing affordability crisisMillions of Americans can’t afford to buy a home or rent a suitable apartment, making housing a central issue for voters in the upcoming presidential election.
Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ Act
Read full article: Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ ActThe city of Orlando on Monday joined the growing number of county and city governments opting out of a state law that is supposed to bring more affordable housing to communities.
Gov. DeSantis urges lawmakers to address condo affordability crisis sooner than later
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis urges lawmakers to address condo affordability crisis sooner than laterGov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that lawmakers should act before the 2025 regular legislative session to address problems facing condominium associations and owners, including soaring costs.
‘Ready, Set, Build:’ Orange County unveils blueprint for affordable living
Read full article: ‘Ready, Set, Build:’ Orange County unveils blueprint for affordable livingOrange County has unveiled “Ready, Set, Orange,” a new, forward-thinking initiative designed to streamline the construction of affordable housing.
Seminole County no longer giving tax breaks under ‘Live Local Act’ for affordable housing
Read full article: Seminole County no longer giving tax breaks under ‘Live Local Act’ for affordable housingSeminole County is joining the list of local governments who will no longer give tax breaks to developers who offer affordable housing.
Winter Garden homeless organization moves to evict client from transitional housing
Read full article: Winter Garden homeless organization moves to evict client from transitional housingA homeless outreach center moved to evict some of its clients from its transitional housing program after they refused to leave.
Orlando nonprofit planning new development to address affordable housing crisis
Read full article: Orlando nonprofit planning new development to address affordable housing crisisThe Orlando Union Rescue Mission, which is one of Central Florida's largest service providers to the homeless, wants to do something about the housing shortage.
Firms flock to Florida, buy up apartments because of weak tenant-protection laws, study finds
Read full article: Firms flock to Florida, buy up apartments because of weak tenant-protection laws, study findsA University of North Florida study found that Duval County is the eviction filing capital of the state, and corporations are behind a majority of eviction filings in the Jacksonville area.
Orange County denies controversial senior housing proposal in Waterford Lakes
Read full article: Orange County denies controversial senior housing proposal in Waterford LakesA developer’s plan to bring a 36-unit attainable senior apartment complex to the Waterford Lakes community has been denied by Orange County’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
‘Families with children:’ Seminole County proposes money for homeless shelters as need rises
Read full article: ‘Families with children:’ Seminole County proposes money for homeless shelters as need risesLeaders in Seminole County say a growing number of people live in cars and on the streets, and only about 200 shelter beds are available countywide.
Attainable senior housing plan draws opposition from Waterford Lakes. Here’s why
Read full article: Attainable senior housing plan draws opposition from Waterford Lakes. Here’s whyA developer's plans to bring an attainable senior apartment complex to east Orange County is drawing opposition from the community.
Kissimmee celebrates nearly $2M in federal funding for affordable housing complex
Read full article: Kissimmee celebrates nearly $2M in federal funding for affordable housing complexThe city of Kissimmee is getting results when it comes to finding a solution to the affordable housing crisis impacting Central Florida.
Orange County commissioners move forward with Disney affordable housing project
Read full article: Orange County commissioners move forward with Disney affordable housing projectCommissioners in Orange County agreed Tuesday to send a plan for an affordable housing project that would be built by Walt Disney World onto the next step.
Homeless census: Volunteers conducting annual count in Metro Orlando
Read full article: Homeless census: Volunteers conducting annual count in Metro OrlandoOver the next three days, volunteers with the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida will be going out to count how many people are experiencing homelessness across the region.
Volusia County leaders call for changes to Florida’s affordable housing law
Read full article: Volusia County leaders call for changes to Florida’s affordable housing lawAs Florida's population has rapidly increased over the years, demand for housing has reached an all-time high and the supply of affordable housing has not kept up.
Here’s how Orlando leaders are working to address homelessness
Read full article: Here’s how Orlando leaders are working to address homelessnessCentral Florida is known as a top tourist destination in the world, but if you pull back the curtains and look a little closer, you'll also find one of the worst affordable housing crises in the country.
Universal, Wendover Housing Partners embark on landmark affordable housing project
Read full article: Universal, Wendover Housing Partners embark on landmark affordable housing projectUniversal Destinations & Experiences and Wendover Housing Partners have taken a significant step toward addressing Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis.
An old Orlando motel is turning into affordable housing, thanks to a federal grant
Read full article: An old Orlando motel is turning into affordable housing, thanks to a federal grantOn Tuesday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other city and housing leaders got a look inside the Palm Garden Apartments that are now under construction.
Your Florida Daily: Pastor’s son found dead in church parking lot, Volusia affordable housing situation
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Pastor’s son found dead in church parking lot, Volusia affordable housing situationThe son of a Polk County pastor was found dead and his killer was arrested, but detectives are working to figure out the motive.
Finding affordable housing is tough in Deltona. Just ask the city’s mayor
Read full article: Finding affordable housing is tough in Deltona. Just ask the city’s mayorA Volusia County official is opening up about his own struggle to find affordable housing. Deltona’s mayor, Santiago Avila Jr., told News 6 he now has his own concerns, and he hopes the city can start bringing in more affordable housing.
Ground broken on affordable housing community in Sanford’s Goldsboro community
Read full article: Ground broken on affordable housing community in Sanford’s Goldsboro communitySeminole County leaders are marking the beginning of construction on a development that will bring affordable housing to Sanford.
These Central Florida housing markets are among the most overpriced in the US
Read full article: These Central Florida housing markets are among the most overpriced in the USEight Florida housing markets are among the most overpriced in the country, according to a new report, and three Central Florida markets are in the top 15.
Here’s what’s in Orlando’s 3-year plan to reduce homelessness
Read full article: Here’s what’s in Orlando’s 3-year plan to reduce homelessnessAccording to the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, in Orange County alone, more than 1,600 people are considered homeless. That number includes people living in shelters.
Florida lawmakers OK bill to let landlords collect fees from renters instead of deposit
Read full article: Florida lawmakers OK bill to let landlords collect fees from renters instead of depositAs Florida grapples with a shortage of affordable housing, the Senate on Friday gave final approval to a bill that could lead to landlords collecting monthly fees instead of security deposits from renters.
Florida governor signs bill banning local rent control, appropriating $711M for affordable housing projects
Read full article: Florida governor signs bill banning local rent control, appropriating $711M for affordable housing projectsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Wednesday morning in Collier County to sign SB 102, the “Live Local Act.”
Florida Legislature OKs incentives for affordable housing, bans rent control
Read full article: Florida Legislature OKs incentives for affordable housing, bans rent controlWith approval Friday from the Florida House, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s $711 million effort to make housing more affordable for working Floridians is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Have an affordable housing idea? Seminole County seeking public input
Read full article: Have an affordable housing idea? Seminole County seeking public inputWith approximately $3 million in federal funding administered through the HUD Home American Rescue Plan Act, the county is now asking for the public’s input on best to use the money locally.
Osceola County delays tenant’s bill of rights, flood disclosure ordinance
Read full article: Osceola County delays tenant’s bill of rights, flood disclosure ordinanceCommissioners in Osceola County tabled an ordinance calling for a tenant’s bill of rights and a flood disclosure requirement Monday, a move which cheered realtors.
Passidomo points to housing, wildlife corridor as Florida Senate priorities
Read full article: Passidomo points to housing, wildlife corridor as Florida Senate prioritiesArmed with a large majority, Naples Republican Kathleen Passidomo outlined what she described as a voter-supported “conservative agenda” as she became Florida Senate president Tuesday.
Florida insurance rates could go up 20 to 30% next year, say industry analysts
Read full article: Florida insurance rates could go up 20 to 30% next year, say industry analystsBefore Hurricane Ian, Florida’s insurance market was already in crisis. Now many consumers are on edge about how their premiums will change after the storm.
Florida joins FTC crack down on rental-listing platform duping consumers
Read full article: Florida joins FTC crack down on rental-listing platform duping consumersSix states, and the Federal Trade Commission, are suing a rental listing platform accused of paying for fake positive reviews for people looking for affordable housing.
Polk County family says Homeowner Assistance funds are missing
Read full article: Polk County family says Homeowner Assistance funds are missingA preliminary review by News 6 found several residents have experienced similar cases where Homeowner Assistance funds paid by the DEO could not be accounted for.
Metro Orlando’s median home price falls for first time in 6 months
Read full article: Metro Orlando’s median home price falls for first time in 6 monthsThe median home price in Orlando fell for the first time in six months and the inventory of homes for sale jumped again, according to the latest report from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
Roundtable in Orlando to talk rising rent, struggling hospitality workers
Read full article: Roundtable in Orlando to talk rising rent, struggling hospitality workersA roundtable discussion tonight will discuss the impact rising rents and inflation are having on the Orlando area’s biggest industry, tourism.
Planned Orlando district would bring apartments, shops to Rosemont; residents fighting it
Read full article: Planned Orlando district would bring apartments, shops to Rosemont; residents fighting itDespite Central Florida’s booming population, a billion-dollar development proposed for an Orlando community is facing backlash.
With new owners, ‘Florida Project’ motel dwellers must leave
Read full article: With new owners, ‘Florida Project’ motel dwellers must leaveResidents at a motel along a tourist strip not far from Walt Disney World that was used as the setting for the 2017 film “The Florida Project” were told that they must vacate on short-notice because the complex has been sold to another owner.
Rent control up for discussion at special Orange County commission meeting
Read full article: Rent control up for discussion at special Orange County commission meetingAfter a few roadblocks and no solutions, Orange County commissioners are hoping for a different outcome during Thursday’s special work session on rent control.
House-hacking: How some Central Florida millennials are affording the American Dream
Read full article: House-hacking: How some Central Florida millennials are affording the American DreamAs home prices and mortgage rates climb, some folks wanting to buy their first home are having to get creative. News 6 investigator Merris Badcock spoke to Orlando homeowners who figured out how to buy their first homes making less than $50,000 dollars a year.
Study finds Florida has high home vacancy rates. Here’s why
Read full article: Study finds Florida has high home vacancy rates. Here’s whyEven with home prices skyrocketing and low inventory, a recent Lending Tree study found Florida is one of the top states with the highest vacancy rates. While realtors and economists said this may seem shocking, knowing that information can help homebuyers make better decisions.
Florida launching program to help first-time homeowners in over 50 professions
Read full article: Florida launching program to help first-time homeowners in over 50 professionsGov. Ron DeSantis announced the launch of a program Monday that will assist Floridians in over 50 professions buy their first homes.
‘It’s heartbreaking:’ More pets surrendered in Orange County as home costs rise
Read full article: ‘It’s heartbreaking:’ More pets surrendered in Orange County as home costs riseAlmeida said animal services is reporting double the number of animals being surrendered on a daily basis, up to 30 pets a day.
‘Our residents are suffering:’ Orange commissioner calls for rent stabilization at meeting
Read full article: ‘Our residents are suffering:’ Orange commissioner calls for rent stabilization at meetingCommissioner Emily Bonilla presented the plan which calls for a rent hike cap of 5% -- or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.
Almost a quarter of Orlando homebuyers are female, report says
Read full article: Almost a quarter of Orlando homebuyers are female, report saysA new report from Inspection Service Network, which provides property inspection software services, puts Orlando in the top 20 most female homebuyers in the United States, along with Miami, Tampa.
Ex-wife of Amazon founder donates $9M to Central Florida Habitat for Humanity affiliates
Read full article: Ex-wife of Amazon founder donates $9M to Central Florida Habitat for Humanity affiliatesThe former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is getting results for Central Florida's housing market with a generous donation to two local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
‘The need is great:’ Orlando nonprofits struggle to help growing homeless population
Read full article: ‘The need is great:’ Orlando nonprofits struggle to help growing homeless populationAccording to the Coalition for the Homeless in Central Florida, the organization has been able to assist a growing number of people experiencing homelessness with funds from the federal CARES act program.
The Weekly: As Florida rents, home prices soar, advocates ask: where will we live?
Read full article: The Weekly: As Florida rents, home prices soar, advocates ask: where will we live?Nearly a thousand people move to the Sunshine State every day — a trend analysts believe will continue for at least the next five years. And that begs the question: where are those folks going to live?