Rising Rents

The state's growing population has led to spiking rents as housing demand has increased, and one factor driving up rental costs is the high price to purchase a home.

PolitiFact found three reports that showed Florida last or second-to-last nationally on mental health care — one from 2025 and two based on data that is at least a decade old. Other rankings put it in a slightly better light.

Many essential workers in Lakeland cannot find housing that would be 30% or less of their income.

People are considered ‘cost-burdened’ if housing is more than 30% of their income. Many Lakelanders pay much more than that.

Housing costs, insurance and rent are some reasons why retirees are going back to work out of necessity.

A recent Florida Atlantic University study shows the average rent in the Tampa Bay region is around $2,100 a month.

Under the bill, landlords would be able to offer the option of paying monthly fees instead of security deposits, though landlords would not be required to do so.

Community organizers are worried the two housing bills — HB 1417 and HB 133— will harm renters.

A report released on April 26 by United Way Suncoast sheds light on how these households fared during the pandemic — and which ones suffered the most.

Sadaf Knight, Florida Policy Institute's CEO, says the Live Local Act is a step in the right direction, but more still needs to be done to address affordable housing.

Local agencies in the greater Tampa Bay region are set to receive more than $19 million in annual grant funding to address chronic homelessness in their communities.

On this week's Florida Roundup, we discuss legislation working its way through the Florida Legislature that could affect pride parades, protections for people who rent, and hemp-related businesses.