The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development on May 20 reported favorably Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute (CS for CS) Senate Bill 184, a measure sponsored by Senator Gates that would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential areas while exempting planned unit developments and master-planned communities.

Under the amended bill, ADUs must be rented for at least 30 days (the bill bars short-term rentals under 30 days), and local governments may adopt standards — including for manufactured homes — provided those units meet local requirements. The amendment adopted in committee clarified that manufactured homes are not prohibited so long as they meet other requirements and that the ADU provision does not apply to planned unit developments or master-planned communities.

Senator Gates said the measure is intended both to increase housing supply and to affirm property rights. Gates told the committee that ADUs “cost less to build, they cost less to rent and they're often located in urban areas where workers need to live in order to be close to their jobs.” The sponsor also referenced an OPPAGA study on mezzanine financing included in the bill materials.

Committee members asked for clarifications during floor debate. Committee staff and the sponsor clarified that the homestead exemption for the primary residence would not be lost if an owner builds and rents an ADU; however, the homestead exemption does not apply to the accessory dwelling unit itself, and the ADU would be separately assessed for property taxes. The sponsor also explained that requiring ADUs to be rented at an “affordable” price was removed from the bill because the committee considered such an income-based enforcement requirement difficult to administer.

Support and testimony
- Appearance forms show support from Yvonne Fernandez (AARP), Derek Taber Schoffer (Americans for Prosperity), Murphy Kennedy Gearing (Florida Realtors), Doug Wheeler and Colton Maddow (Florida Chamber of Commerce); each waived an in-person statement and was recorded as in support.

Votes and next steps
- The committee recorded a favorable report on CS for CS Senate Bill 184 by roll call; the bill will advance in the Senate process.

Ending
Sponsors asked for favorable support; the committee reported the bill favorably and members recorded affirmative votes.