In this episode: Nearly 60 percent of voters in Orlando, Fla., just passed a referendum calling for rent control in one of the most unaffordable housing markets in the country. But they’re probably not going to get it. That’s because Florida leaders have passed a landlord-friendly state law that blocks cities and counties from enacting local rent control. Meanwhile, lobbyists for everyone from real-estate developers to Walt Disney World have used state politicians to prevent local voters from making changes on everything from worker benefits to water pollution. (Read a written version of this story here.)
Further reading:
Orlando Sentinel: Orange County commissioners vote to continue legal fight for rent control
Orlando Sentinel: Scott blocks paid sick-time vote in Orange, statewide
New Yorker: A lake in Florida suing to protect itself
Miami Herald: Pier operator fighting Key West cruise referendum gives DeSantis’ committee $1 million
Tampa Bay Times: St. Pete tried to abolish super PACs. Jeff Brandes wants to end that
Miami Herald: ‘Abolish’ Key West? Someone wants to do away with the city, and locals call it ‘nonsense’
Contact: Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com
Big businesses are leading an assault on local democracy in Florida