Title:
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Approve the Affordable Housing Incentive Report for the 2024-2025 Program Year as presented and authorize staff to submit the report to the Florida Housing Coalition. Countywide (Allison Thall - Community Services Director)
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Division:
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Community Services - Community Development
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Authorized By:
Allison Thall, Community Services Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Tadine Diaz/407-665-2388
Background:
In accordance with Florida Statute 420.9076, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), with support from Seminole County Community Services Department staff, is charged with preparing the annual Affordable Housing Incentives Report, which provides a list of incentives and recommendations to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and local governing board that can be used to foster increased development of affordable housing throughout Seminole County.
On May 13, 2025, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners approved and adopted the 2025-2028 Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP). The LHAP included the following affordable housing incentives to be achieved during the implementation period:
1. Expedited Permitting (Required Incentive)
2. Ongoing Review of Policies, Procedures, Ordinances, and Regulations (Required)
3. Impact Fee Waivers or modifications
During the October 16, 2025, regularly scheduled meeting, the AHAC reviewed and discussed the County’s progress in implementing the current incentives strategies. The report noted the diligent efforts of the Housing Development Services and Development Services staff to implement strategies that encourage the creation of affordable housing. Specifically, with the use of the Attainable Housing Checklist, the Attainable Housing team developed what it hopes will become an institutionalized, county-wide preapplication review process to confirm and certify affordable housing projects seeking any form of local subsidy.
The report also discusses how Seminole County continued to implement the recommended strategies identified in the Attainable Housing Strategic Plan, throughout the 2024-25 Program Year, which included:
• Funding the General Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Establishing an incentive program to reduce or subsidize impact fees, provide tax incentives, and expedite permitting
• Leveraging County Development Rights (Density Bonuses & Surplus Land Donations)
In addition, the report identifies future opportunities regarding policies, ordinances, and regulations that the AHAC will further discuss, which may incentivize the development of affordable housing units.
On November 20, 2025, a public hearing was held for the 2024-25 Incentives Report, which was open to the public for comment. The AHAC voted to approve the report as presented and to submit the report to the BCC for adoption, as well as to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, as required by Florida Statute.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve the 2024-2025 Affordable Housing Incentive Report as presented and authorize staff to submit the report to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.