ORLANDO, Fla. — In an effort to make housing more affordable, city of Orlando leaders want to extend its affordable housing pilot program.

What You Need To Know

  • City of Orlando leaders want to extend its affordable housing pilot program, which is set to end next month

  • The program incentivizes the construction of affordable housing units by reducing or refunding building fees

  • The pilot program was put in place in March 2022, and since its inception, the city has issued permit fee rebates for seven developments, totaling more than $782,000

The program, which began in 2022, and was set to end next month, incentivizes the construction of affordable housing units by reducing or refunding building fees.

Orlando Economic Development Director Lillian Payne said the program needs to remain in place.

“The recommendation to council is that we extend it through fiscal year 2026, or until the funds have been expended,” said Payne.

According to city leaders, Orlando has invested more than $782,000 since the program’s inception.

“Of all the projects we have had that have taken advantage of it, they have created over 1,000 affordable units,” said Payne.

Jernigan Gardens, located off Colonial Drive, is one of the seven affordable housing developments that have been incentivized by the city.

District 5 City Commissioner Shan Rose said the program motivates builders to create affordable housing for everyday people.

“Sometimes it can be the difference of a developer keeping it affordable versus going market rate," Rose said. "So, it allows an incentive to create affordable housing."

Rose said the developer of Jernigan Gardens was incentivized with more than $154,000 in rebates.

“I would say if I could wave a magic wand, I would get 10,000 units,” said Rose.

According to the University of Florida Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, out of Florida's 8.6 million households, more than a quarter, or 2.4 million, are currently spending more than 30% of their incomes on housing costs.

Of the total, 1.3 million households are considered "severely cost burdened," using more than half of their income on housing.