Proposal Strengthens Oversight of Existing Housing Incentives to Help More Working Families Afford a Place to Live

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida gubernatorial candidate Frank Russo today announced his Housing Accountability Plan, a commonsense proposal to strengthen oversight of Florida's existing affordable housing programs and ensure taxpayer-funded incentives deliver more affordable homes for working families.

Russo said Florida has one of the strongest economies in the nation, but for too many residents, the cost of housing has become one of the biggest barriers to achieving the American Dream. His plan focuses on improving accountability within existing housing programs - not creating new bureaucracy—by ensuring public incentives produce measurable, long-term affordability.

"Floridians are working harder than ever, yet too many families still cannot afford a place to live," Russo said. "Teachers, nurses, first responders, hospitality workers, young families and seniors are being priced out of the communities they help make stronger every day. That is not sustainable, and it is not acceptable."

Russo emphasized that Florida already has important tools to encourage affordable housing through programs such as the Live Local Act and existing affordable housing incentives. The challenge, he said, is making sure those taxpayer investments consistently produce the affordable housing they were intended to create.

"We do not need more government programs. We need existing programs to work better," Russo said. "If taxpayers are investing in affordable housing, taxpayers deserve to know those investments are producing affordable homes for the families they were meant to help. That is accountability. That is good government."

As Governor, Russo will work with the Florida Legislature to:

• Strengthen accountability for affordable housing developments that receive public tax, financing or zoning incentives, ensuring those incentives deliver meaningful public benefits.
• Increase transparency so Floridians can clearly see how taxpayer-supported housing projects are performing and whether they are meeting their affordability commitments.
• Tie public incentives to measurable, long-term affordability outcomes, helping ensure affordable housing remains affordable for the families it is intended to serve.
• Promote a balanced housing strategy that supports both lower-income and workforce housing, helping teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, hospitality workers and other essential employees live in the communities they serve.
• Protect taxpayer investments by encouraging greater oversight and measurable performance from projects receiving public assistance.
• Support responsible private-sector development by creating clear expectations for projects that receive taxpayer-funded incentives while maintaining a business-friendly environment that encourages housing construction.

Russo said his proposal is built on a simple principle: when taxpayers invest in affordable housing, taxpayers should see measurable results.

"I believe in free markets, private investment and economic growth," Russo said. "Developers are essential partners in addressing Florida's housing shortage, and I want to see more housing built across our state. But when public incentives help make those projects possible, there must also be public accountability. Floridians deserve to know their tax dollars are creating affordable housing that delivers lasting value for working families."

Russo said addressing Florida's housing affordability challenges will require partnership between state and local leaders, the private sector and housing developers, with a shared focus on transparency, accountability and measurable results.

"Government cannot solve this challenge alone, and neither can the private sector," Russo said. "The best solutions come when we work together with a clear goal: making Florida more affordable for the people who live and work here every day."

Russo said his administration will measure success by one simple question:

"Are more Florida families able to afford a safe, quality place to live? If the answer is yes, then we are moving Florida in the right direction."

About Frank J. Russo
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida's economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit Russo2026.com.

Media Contact
Mary Elkordy
Press@russo2026.com

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SOURCE Frank J. Russo for Governor