The Apartment Association of Greater Orlando (AAGO), had the unique opportunity to meet with state elected officials from the region and discuss the Florida Apartment Association’s 2024 priorities. With such a great success during the 2023 legislative session, it was crucial to share the... Continue Reading
Advocacy
Effective advocacy starts with what we know!
AAGO members had the unique opportunity to meet with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and offer the association’s endorsement for his 2023 reelection campaign. The Mayor was also provided with a financial contribution to his campaign thanks to the funds collected for APAC. The Mayor discussed the... Continue Reading
Orange County Commissioners met on Tuesday, August 7th, 2023 to discuss the recommended course of action as it relates to implementing the requirements of the newly enacted Live Local Act. Continue Reading
A brief recap of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session. Continue Reading
Orange County Rent Stabilization Background and Timeline of the Rent Stabilization Proposal Tuesday, April 5, 2022 - The idea of rent stabilization is brought forth for discussion by Commissioner Bonilla. The Commission decided that the idea required additional evaluation and instructed staff to... Continue Reading
TELL THE ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION TO OPPOSE RENT CONTROL PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC COMMENT PUBLIC COMMENT TALKING POINTS Email Template Instructions - Please copy and paste the email template provided below to contact the Mayor and our friends on the commission. Please note - We are not asking you... Continue Reading
There are forty-three (43) million renter households across the United States. As housing providers, supplying 43 million households with places to call home is not a responsibility landlords take lightly. In challenging times like we are currently experiencing it is more important than ever to... Continue Reading
With the 2022 Legislative Session in full swing and the Florida Apartment Association's Legislative Conference right around the corner, here's a look at what we are advocating for this year. Clarification of Fire Radio System Requirements In 2016, Florida Statute 633.202 was amended to give local... Continue Reading
Introducing A.T.I.F. Advance The Industry FundLet’s advance our industry, together! Every year, AAGO members receive their member dues invoice. At the bottom of every invoice, you’ll see the option to include a voluntary $50 contribution. These voluntary contributions make up... Continue Reading
City of Daytona Beach, Anti-Discrimination, Income Source Ordinance Please note, none of the information outlined in this email is intended to serve as legal advice and we (AAGO) strongly encourage you to consult with legal counsel regarding this matter. The City of Daytona Beach passed its... Continue Reading
"It is up to Congress, not the CDC, to decide whether the public interest merits further action here." Continue Reading
Orlando Utilities Commission is asking for apartment industry support to reduce water consumption due to liquid oxygen shortages. Continue Reading
2021 Owners and Officers Luncheon This year's Luncheon was engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking. From housing market stats to political power dynamics, industry fan-favorite, Luke Wickham, and government affairs guru, Lee Steinhauer came to inform. If you missed this year's event, check... Continue Reading
City of Orlando Electric Vehicle Readiness Ordinance Over the last year, AAGO and other industry stakeholders have been in ongoing workshops and discussions with the City of Orlando about its Electric Vehicle Readiness Ordinance. For additional information about the Ordinance and AAGO's... Continue Reading
In conjunction with an additional round of ERA funding, the Treasury issued updated guidance that assistance programs must adhere and potentially, adjust their current programs to Continue Reading
Below you will find additional information that details 2021 human trafficking awareness requirements, as well as resources that may prove helpful in ensuring compliance by the 2021 deadline. Governor DeSantis signed HB 851, a bill relating to human trafficking awareness, into law. This bill... Continue Reading
The Florida Apartment Association's 2021 virtual Legislative Conference is sure to be unique. This year's conference will feature a detailed issues briefing, the opportunity to caucus with your local affiliate, followed by a two-week window to meet with state legislators. The 2021 Legislative... Continue Reading
Osceola County announced its Eviction Diversion Assistance Program for County residents who currently have an eviction filed against them for the non-payment of rent. The program is currently open and accepting applications as of Monday, October 5, 2020. Many of you may be familiar with Orange... Continue Reading
Phase 2 of Florida's recovery, as outlined in Executive Order 20-139 took effect on Friday, June 5th. Executive Order #20-180- Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief Executive Order #20-139 re: Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery Individuals... Continue Reading
Orange County Launches COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program Portal This morning, Orange County officially opened its COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program portal. AAGO had the pleasure of engaging with the County, as well as, the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) in program... Continue Reading
A Message from NAA CEO, Robert Pinnegar: COVID-19 has already brought unprecedented and unique challenges to the apartment industry, and in the coming weeks, we will reach a critical crossroads as rent relief programs have been depleted, enhanced unemployment benefits expire and the federal... Continue Reading
Please click here to access the Virtual Business Exchange event site! Continue Reading
This alert serves to notify members of the recent change Orange County has made to its Individual and Family Assistance Program. Orange County CARES Individual and Families Program Initially, Orange County aimed to disperse funding directly to an applicant's community, utility provider,... Continue Reading
Orange CARES for Residents With funding received under the CARES Act, Orange County has launched its Crisis and COVID-19 Individual and Family Assistance Program, Orange CARES. The program will provide one-time payments to residents affected by COVID-19. Additional application requirements and... Continue Reading
On Monday evening Governor DeSantis extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until July 1, 2020. The Apartment Association of Greater Orlando (AAGO) respects and understands the Governor’s decision. Without a doubt, the pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented hardship for... Continue Reading
As we all continue to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19, we continue to receive new information and recommendations surfacing at each level of government. In light of this, it is paramount that we continue to advocate for the developing needs of our industry. In conjunction with NAA, we... Continue Reading
️ In February, the AAGO Board of Directors approved and adopted the Political Giving Council's (PCG) formal candidate endorsement and screening policy. Having the ability to offer a candidate an official 'endorsement' is... Continue Reading
In the face of COVID-19, Florida's Primary may seem like background noise, however, if you still plan to fulfill your civic duty, below are a few resources that may prove helpful. Today is voting day! Usually an exciting time, today may prove a bit confusing, as many polling locations close or... Continue Reading
Every year, members of the Florida Apartment Association (FAA) make the long trek up to Florida's State Capitol to advocate for the wants and needs of the apartment industry during FAA's annual Legislative Conference. Now, you may be thinking, "Every year? Don't things get a little, you know,... Continue Reading
Urgent Regulatory Alert Criminal Screening Lawsuit Activity Please be advised, this is not intended to serve as legal advice. We urge and encourage you to contact your legal counsel should you be confronted with a situation falling in line with the information below.... Continue Reading
As Floridians shift their attentions to the 2020 Presidential and State Elections, it may come as a surprise to hear that we are much closer to election season than one may think! With a handful of local elections throughout central Florida taking place through the end of this year, now is as... Continue Reading
AAGO's State of the Market dinner meeting was an enormous success, as industry professionals from near and far came together for an evening of flavorful food and captivating conversation. Our knowledgeable panelists gave us a break down of the past, present, and future state of central Florida's... Continue Reading
The Florida Apartment Association issued the following "Call to Action" on April 30th. AAGO Members are encouraged to act quickly to encourage state senators to consider SB1128! FAA Call To Action: FAA-supported legislation that will reduce emotional support animal fraud and abuse is in... Continue Reading
Affordable Housing and the Ramifications of Rent Control http://freakonomics.com/podcast/rent-control/ Early on in the 2019 Legislative Session, Orlando lawmakers proposed an interesting solution to the long-standing affordable housing crisis; rent control. However, the ramifications of this... Continue Reading
"Housing for All" A look into Orange County's new Affordable Housing Task Force Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings' and his team have been busy at work putting the final touches on the County's new 'Housing for All' Task Force. The task force aims to put into motion the recommendations of the... Continue Reading
The Legislative Breakdown 2 months into the new year, AAGO members have been busy advocating for and advancing the interests of their industry. This month has been both exciting and hectic, with members attending the 2019 FAA Legislative Conference while also working to help address and tackle... Continue Reading
On February 28th, AAGO and FAA issued the following "Joint Statement" in response to rent control proposals. Links to media coverage can be found below the press release. JOINT STATEMENT ON RENT CONTROL PROPOSALS On Behalf of: Bonnie Smetzer, President, The Florida Apartment Association... Continue Reading
2019 on "the Hill" In the afterglow of the 2019 Legislative Conference, the AAGO team has been reflecting on the level of success we've been able to achieve through our association's continued advocacy efforts. Each year, member's from all across the state of Florida come together to advocate... Continue Reading
As an industry, it is important that we work together during this difficult time to help those residents affected by the government shutdown. Four weeks into a rigid government shutdown, federal employees may begin to experience difficulties meeting the conditions of your lease. Luckily, the... Continue Reading
Citizen Advisory Boards Navigating the numerous facets involved in the distribution of local government information can be tricky. If you catch yourself in an informational juggling act, applying for a position on a citizen advisory board may help aid your efforts as you become more involved,... Continue Reading
Government Affairs Report January 2019 is going to be a BIG year for AAGO and we have already hit the ground running. One of our new year's resolutions is to be as informed and well versed as ever in all things politics. This way, we can share it with all of our members, as well as, the... Continue Reading
Be in the Know Legislative Delegation Meetings What are They? Where are They? Why Should I Care? As 2020 quickly creeps upon us, so does the 2020 Legislative Session. Florida has a quirky legislature, cycling between an earlier legislative session, beginning in January and a legislative later... Continue Reading
What is Source of Income? Note: "Source of Income" is a protected class in other areas of the state as well. Broward County (see below) is the most recent to adopt SOI which is why it is highlighted here. Broward County: Source of Income View the Ordinance Here As defined in Chapter 16 1/2 -... Continue Reading
Advocacy Update: Affordable Housing If you attended the AAGO State of the Market dinner meeting in May you know that our area is leading the country in population and employment growth, and that we expect that trend to continue for some time. Rental housing is also gaining market share with some... Continue Reading
Recording from this morning's Legislative Committee & Board Update Continue Reading
School Impact Fees Increased by 87% In the wake of a 6 month moratorium on new development, and on the heels of a massive mobility fee increase passed earlier this year, the Osceola County Commission voted unanimously to pass the School Board’s recommended impact fee proposal. AAGO and the... Continue Reading
You took action, and ADA Reform Passed in the US House of Representatives! Greg Brown, NAA's SVP of Government Affairs, sent the following... "[Thursday, February 15th], our legislation in the House – H.R. 620 – to curb 'drive-by' lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act... Continue Reading
I don't think you're ready for this Yeti... Now through November 9th you can support our industry's advocacy efforts, and be entered to win a 65 gallon Ice Blue Yeti cooler! All proceeds benefit The National Apartment Association Political Action Committee, and 100% of ticket proceeds will go... Continue Reading
Why should you include that $35 anyways? Kimberly Hackett-Maggard, SVP of Operations, Royal American AAGO Immediate Past President With each dues invoice we include a "$35 voluntary advocacy contribution" and it is not uncommon for us to get questions about why a community or supplier partner... Continue Reading
The July/August 2017 Key Magazine is now available! Can't wait to receive your Key Magazine in the mail? Check it out online by clicking here! Check it out today! Continue Reading
AAGO represents apartment communities in 52 cities and 5 counties. Below are links to government websites and resources that may be helpful to AAGO members. If you have an issue related to government regulation or laws, please don't hesitate to call on AAGO to assist. State Level: Florida House... Continue Reading
Author: Amanda HoangAAGO Director of Public Affairs and Communications LOCAL As you may remember from our last issue, Fire Assessment Fees are becoming increasingly more common in central Florida. A Fire Assessment Fee is an additional source of revenue that local governments are starting to... Continue Reading