Lawmaker introduces bill to bring back rent control in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — A lawmaker wants to make it easier for Floridians afford their rent as prices push people out of their homes.

A state senator representing Orange and Osceola counties is fighting for rent control in Tallahassee.

This comes as the average price of rent in Central Florida has increased again.

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Rent prices in the past month have risen 2% for studios and 3% for two-bedroom apartments, and those prices aren’t expected to go down soon.

Lucas Ragsdale loves his apartment in Longwood. “It’s a really nice place to live,” Ragsdale said. “One bed, one bath.”

Right now, he’s paying $1,100 a month, far below the average price of rent throughout Central Florida.

He said he doesn’t think that price will be the same in a few months.

“I’m just scared when the lease renews, I won’t be able to stay,” Ragsdale said.

State Sen. Victor Torres said he has introduced a bill aimed at putting rent control back in the state of Florida.

Right now, Florida law doesn’t allow rent control unless there’s a housing emergency.

“This bill would address this and repeal that,” Torres said.

See more in the video above.

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