Florida groups plan statewide rent control measure for 2028 ballot

Progressive groups in Florida have launched a campaign called "Floridians for Fair Rent" to place a rent stabilization measure on the 2028 ballot, WUSF reported. The initiative seeks to limit annual rent increases to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, statewide.

The measure would apply only to tenants renting from corporate landlords with large rental portfolios, excluding individual small landlords, according to WUSF. Advocates say this addresses the high cost of living and severe rent crisis affecting many Floridians.

Ivanna Gonzalez of Florida Rising told WLRN that the campaign has been active for some time and that recent election results indicate voter openness to left-leaning policies on housing. Florida has the highest share of cost-burdened renters in the U.S., with rents about 18% above the national average, WUSF noted.

A similar rent control measure passed in Orange County in 2023 but faced legal challenges from pro-landlord groups including Florida Realtors and the Florida Apartments Association, WUSF reported. The outcome of this statewide effort remains to be seen as organizers prepare for the 2028 ballot.