The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® Public Policy Statement
The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® is committed to the preservation and protection of private property rights within Osceola County, Florida. The right to own real property is a basic freedom afforded to us by the United States Constitution and reaffirmed by the Florida Constitution. We believe that homeownership is the driving force of strong communities and a prosperous county. To ensure private property rights are protected, our association is committed to candidates at the local and state that align with our mission and vision.
The following policy positions are provided to inform our members, government entities, and the general public of our position on key issues.
Affordable/Attainable Housing
We believe every individual y should have the ability to realize the American Dream through homeownership. In order to achieve this, unwarranted regulatory barriers that prevent developers from building affordable housing units should be eliminated and that adequate funds are made available through local, state and federal grant programs to assist low-income individuals in obtaining homeownership.
Environment
Efforts to control pollution and to protect natural resources must be balanced with efforts to increase energy efficiency and independence, economic vitality and productivity. We support legislation and/or regulations that require more complete disclosure of information pertaining to hazardous waste on property that is to be sold or leased. We support efforts that encourage the development of additional water resources that don’t place a burden on the natural environment. We support measures that raise awareness to our residents on the importance of water conservation.
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
We strongly believe in equal opportunity in housing and support the right of all people to freely choose where they will live without the constraint of prejudice or discrimination. We believe that equal opportunity in housing can best be achieved through continued leadership, observance of law, education and mutual cooperation of the real estate industry and the public through a free and open housing market. The Federal Fair Housing Law, which we strongly support, provides for the right of all people to freely choose where they will live without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
Growth Management
We support planning efforts that encourage smart growth.
Private Property Rights
Governments should not arbitrarily infringe on the basic right of an individual to acquire, possess and freely transfer real property. Therefore, we will oppose any law/ordinance that infringes on private property rights, while at the same time advocating for stronger private property protections.
Property Taxes and Impact Fees
We oppose any increase in property taxes through an increase in the millage rate or impact fees that would adversely affect homeowners.