Bill would let mobile-home owners apply for lot-rent assistance under local SHIP plans

Representative Stark presented HB 267 as a measure to level the playing field in affordable-housing assistance by giving mobile-home owners who own their homes but lease the land a path to apply for lot-rent assistance through local SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) plans. "These citizens should not be overlooked," Stark said, citing families forced to choose between lot rent and essentials.

Nancy Stewart of the Federation of Manufactured Homeowners of Florida urged support, telling the committee that park residents often lack options and that the bill would help very low-, low- and moderate-income homeowners maintain housing stability. AARP waived in support. There were no amendments and no debate; the bill was reported favorably by the committee.