Carlos Guillermo Smith unveils lifeline housing assistance bill for Florida veterans

State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith is proposing new legislation to help veterans secure stable housing and avoid homelessness by providing rental assistance.

The Orlando Democrat filed the measure (SB 236) geared towards reducing housing barriers for low-income, honorably discharged veterans by providing financial assistance for rental security deposits up to $2,000.

According to the bill’s legislative findings, veterans who have been honorably discharged deserve robust support and fair access to housing.

It notes that many veterans find themselves relying on rental housing, but they can often face setbacks due to upfront costs such as security deposits and first and last month’s rent. It further adds that providing targeted rental assistance could help reduce or eliminate these barriers and promote housing stability.

The bill would create a section in the Florida Statutes to establish the Veterans’ Rental Assistance Grant Program, which would be administered through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). The FHFC would also be authorized to adopt rules to implement and administer the program.

The program would consist of a one-time security deposit assistance grant, up to the value of $2,000, and would use existing funds within the FHFC. To qualify, applicants must be honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and provide acceptable documentation recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs.

The applicant would also need to provide proof of Florida residency, such as a Florida driver’s license or state ID, and demonstrate a household income at or below 140% of the area median income. Bank statements, W-2s, and background checks would be sufficient to verify income.

If passed, the bill would come into effect on July 1, 2026.

According to a 2022 report from United Way of Florida, housing assistance programs can help veterans secure stable housing, which contributes to lower rates of homelessness among veterans when compared to other low-income groups. 

It further shows that almost 30% of Florida’s active service members and veterans live below the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold of financial survival.