The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development voted to report favorably on CS for CS, Senate Bill 184, a measure that would require local governments to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in areas zoned for single-family residential use, while exempting planned unit developments and master-planned communities.

Sponsor Senator Gates described SB 184 as “styled as an affordable housing bill but it could be also viewed as a private property rights bill.” Gates said the bill requires local governments to allow ADUs on lots used for single-family homes and clarifies that ADUs are smaller, independent units on the same lot as a detached residence. Gates also said local governments may not impose additional parking restrictions or deny a homestead exemption for the primary residence as a result of an ADU.

An amendment (barcode 129,666) adopted in committee restricts rentals of ADUs to periods of 30 days or more, preventing short-term vacation rentals. The amendment also clarifies that manufactured homes are not prohibited from serving as ADUs provided they meet whatever standards a local government sets. Gates explained the bill does not strip a homeowner’s homestead exemption from the primary residence; the exemption simply does not apply to the ADU portion of the property.

Gates and other senators discussed enforcement and the practicalities of requiring ADUs to be rented at an affordable rate; Gates said removing an affordability requirement reduces enforcement burdens on local governments and is expected to increase housing supply by putting additional long-term units on the market. The committee heard supporting appearance forms from Yvonne Fernandez of AARP, Derek Taber Schoffer of Americans for Prosperity, Murphy Kennedy Gearing of Florida Realtors, Doug Wheeler and Colton Maddell of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

During debate Senator Smith praised the bill’s potential to increase housing supply and indicated support; Senator Arrington asked for follow-up conversations about parking flexibility for local governments. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and then reported CS for CS, SB 184 favorably by roll call. The roll call recorded affirmative votes by Senator Arrington, Senator Avila, Senator Bernard, Senator Collins, Senator Graw, Senator Angolia, Senator Leake, Senator Martin, Senator McLean, Senator Sharif, Senator Smith, Senator Wright, Senator Polsky and Chair Disigley (15 yes) as read by the clerk; the transcript does not record opposition or abstentions.

The bill’s transcript discussion clarifies several implementation points: ADUs may be built later on an existing property, property taxes may increase because ADUs are separately assessed, rentals must be 30 days or more under the adopted amendment, and local governments retain authority to establish standards for manufactured homes used as ADUs. The committee record does not include specific enforcement language, a funding mechanism, or a statewide implementation timeline.