ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County’s proposed rent control ordinance can stay on the November ballot, a judge ruled Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • Judge rules in favor of Orange County rent control ballot question

  • The proposal may remain on the November ballot, the judge says

  • The Florida Association of Realtors, Florida Apartment Association “disappointed” by decision
  • Some renters want more to be done beyond the ordinance 

Judge Jeffrey Ashton with the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange County denied the motion for a temporary injunction from Florida Realtors® (Florida Association of Realtors) and the Florida Apartment Association, while noting in his opinion that the ordinance itself is “contrary to established law.”

“The public interest is rarely served by removing a contentious issue from public debate,” he stated.

In emailed statements to Spectrum News, both associations noted their disappointment in the decision and plans to move forward with their lawsuit.

“The Orange County rent control ordinance and its ballot summary are invalid and unlawful, and that is why Florida Realtors® plans to pursue an expedited appeal to reverse this decision and obtain a preliminary injunction,” Florida Realtors Chief Executive Officer Margy Grant said. 

“We will continue to vigorously defend the rights of our members and all property owners in Orange County,” said Chip Tatum, executive vice president of the Florida Apartment Association.

Eric Gosnay, an Orange County renter who recently moved into a new rental property because of rising rent, plans to vote for the ordinance but said he feels more still needs to be done.

“If people aren’t getting raises and things that are in line with that, then eventually who’s going to be able to rent?” Gosnay said.

 

CA Order Granting Denying for 2022 CA 007552 O by Deanna Gugel on Scribd