Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that would have allowed landlords
to charge up to two months rent if a tenant breaks the lease and leaves
early - even if the unit could be filled immediately with a new tenant. HB
1277 would have changed the current law that allows renters to move without
penalty, even if it breaks a lease, providing the unit can be immediately
re-leased and the landlord incurs no loss. "While I understand that this
would provide another option for landlords who manage rental property, I
believe the impact on those Floridians least able to afford to pay such fees
would be just too great," Crist said in a letter to Secretary of State Kurt
S. Browning, announcing the veto. "With escalating insurance and ad valorem
tax cost that are passed on to renters, Florida is experiencing a lack of
affordable housing for those workers critical to maintaining the state's
robust economy." Crist said he could not "allow legislation to become law
that would add to the housing burden of these Floridians."
Posted by Donald Urschalitz P.A. at June 18, 2007 01:50 AM
