CLERMONT, Fla. — At least two local governments in Central Florida have opted out of part of a state law that’s designed to create more affordable housing.

Leaders in Winter Park and in Lake County have decided to exempt their municipalities from a tax exemption part of the Live Local Act.

What You Need To Know

  • Leaders in Winter Park and in Lake County have decided to exempt their municipalities from a tax exemption part of the Live Local Act

  • State lawmakers passed a revision to the law that allows communities that have what’s considered an adequate level of affordable housing to opt out of allowing the tax exemption for an apartment complex company

  • The Shimberg Center for Housing Studies found across a four-county area of Central Florida — Lake, Seminole, Orange and Osceola — there is actually a surplus of affordable housing units for those making 80-120% of the area median income

State lawmakers passed a revision to the law that allows communities that have what’s considered an adequate level of affordable housing to opt out of allowing the tax exemption for an apartment complex company. 

The Shimberg Center for Housing Studies found across a four-county area of Central Florida — Lake, Seminole, Orange and Osceola — there is actually a surplus of affordable housing units for those making 80-120% of the area median income. That made Lake County eligible to opt out of the program.

“We’re not anti-apartments here in Lake County," said Lake County property appraiser Carey Baker. "We need apartments, but what we don’t need is an overabundance."

Baker said it made good economic sense for county commissioners to opt the county out of the Live Local Act's tax exemption.

“I believe the marketplace ought to supply our needs — the free market — and not let government have a heavy hand in mandating what kind of housing we have in Lake County,” said Baker.

Marvin Davis drives a truck and runs deliveries for New Beginnings, a Clermont nonprofit that assists people in need. Previously, Davis said he was living in the woods.

“They took a chance with me,” he said. “We need more organizations like that.”

Davis is now making enough money to stay with a friend, but he is having to live apart from his wife and children because he can’t afford an apartment for the entire family to live in.

He says the rent for available apartments is too much for him to afford. 

“They might be here, but $1,800 for one bedroom. Who can afford that?” said Davis.

Davis said he's worried that the county’s action will reduce the amount of affordable apartments, and keep prices too high for him to find a home.

“There are going to be more people in the woods, and then what are they going to do?" he said. 

At a July 10 meeting, Winter Park city leaders also voted to opt out of the tax exemption, and Maitland city leaders say they’re considering doing the same.