APOPKA, Fla. — Orange County Commissioners have approved $11 million in funding to build at least 300 affordable multifamily housing units in Apopka, addressing the growing housing crisis in the county.

What You Need To Know

  • Orange County Commissioners have agreed to an $11 million project to fund at least 300 affordable multifamily housing units in Apopka

  • The Mira project will include units for families earning no more than 60% of the area median income, with low-barrier options for financially burdened residents

  • Funding includes $7 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Loan and $4 million from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund

The project, known as “The Mira,” will be located along Spring Lane. It is a collaborative effort between Apopka Leased Housing Associates and Neighborhood Lending Partners of Florida.

The funding includes $7 million from the county’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund Loan and $4 million from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Mayor Jerry Demings stated the new housing units will be available to families earning no more than 60% of the area median income, or $46,000 for a family of four.

Local resident Roy Floyd said projects like this could make a significant difference for families like his. “It wears on you,” he said, referring to the financial stress his family faces. “A development like this would be a big break for us.”

Eric Gray, of the Christian Service Center for the Homeless, praised the project as a step in the right direction but noted the county’s deficit of 150,000-200,000 affordable units. “It’s a drop in the bucket, but an important one that sets a precedent for more to come,” Gray said.

Additionally, 30% of the units will waive application fees and lower credit score requirements to meet low-barrier thresholds.