Legislatively Speaking (January 2021)

I will start by wishing you all many blessings in the New Year and that you remain safe and healthy.

At this point in time there is little to report other than matters related to COVID 19, where to get the vaccine… should you get the vaccine… how long will evictions be held off and what will happen when they begin… when and who will get stimulus payments
… rental assistance… paycheck protection… small business loans, etc.

The 2021 Legislative Session will begin on March 2nd and end on April 30th, and, committee meetings are occurring now. Protocols have been greatly altered, limiting the number of meetings, required testing, remote meetings and virtual public testimony to avoid crowds.

At this time, Great American Realtor Days,  Realtors annual visit with our legislators, will be held virtually.

NAR has been working with the U.S. House and Senate, seeking support to protect housing stability, protection for small businesses and the real estate sector.

NAR has worked to encourage Congress to act quickly to reauthorize the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and make it more responsive to the needs of small business. NAR also supports relief options for businesses harmed by the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of looking ahead regarding potential solutions to safeguard against future pandemics; and, is in support of a Federal Insurance Office study to help consumers evaluate the cumulative, distributional and pass-through impacts of pandemic insurance proposals on commercial policyholders as well as on the insurers and taxpayers. (FR Public Policy Update).

Property Insurance is expected to increase significantly as state regulators have approved about 100 rate increase requests from many property insurers; some as high as 30%. The insurance industry blames storms and hurricanes in recent past years, causing catastrophic damage bringing about more than $20 billion in claims. This comes at a time when so many are suffering financial loss due to the pandemic.

FR commits to again work toward a reduction in the sales tax on commercial leases, now know as a business tax.

Claudette Bruck, CCIM, CIPS, GRI, REALTOR
Florida CCIM Legislative Affairs Chair
Multiple Choice Realty Investments, Inc.
6610 N. University Drive, Suite 250
Tamarac, Florida 33321
Email: cbruck@bellsouth.net