Public Policy Statement for the REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties
The REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties is committed to promoting policies that create a sustainable, equitable, and thriving community for all residents. To that end, we are dedicated to upholding the principles enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article X, Section 6 of the Florida Constitution that recognize private property ownership as a fundamental right. Building upon this foundation, we advocate for public policies that strike a balance between safeguarding private property rights and promoting the common good.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties recognizes the critical importance of affordable housing in our community. We are committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote and increase the availability of safe, decent, and affordable housing options for all residents, including zoning reform and low-income tax credits. We support efforts to streamline the development process, reduce regulatory barriers, and encourage innovative solutions to address our local housing affordability crisis.
FAIR HOUSING
The REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties is dedicated to upholding and promoting fair housing principles. We believe that everyone should have equal access to housing opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We strongly oppose all forms of housing discrimination and pledge to actively support and educate our members about fair housing laws and regulations. We believe that everyone should have equal access to housing and that discrimination in any form is unacceptable.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties recognizes the importance of environmental protection and conservation for the well-being of our communities. We support policies that encourage sustainable development practices, energy efficiency, and the preservation of natural resources. We also believe that protecting our waterways, wetlands, and natural habitats is essential to maintaining a high quality of life for all residents.
SMART GROWTH
The REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties is an advocate for smart growth principles. We believe in promoting balanced and well-planned development that enhances our community’s quality of life. We support policies that encourage compact, walkable neighborhoods with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. We believe that smart growth can help create vibrant, thriving communities that benefit all residents.
PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
The REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties firmly upholds the rights of property owners. We believe that private property rights are fundamental to our society and economic prosperity. We support efforts to minimize government intrusion, excessive regulations, and eminent domain abuse. We advocate for fair compensation for property owners when public interest necessitates the acquisition of private land. We support policies that safeguard private property rights, such as zoning regulations that protect property values and allow for reasonable land use.
IMPACT FEES
The REALTORS Association of Lake & Sumter Counties recognizes the critical role that development impact fees play in supporting infrastructure development and community growth. As advocates for a vibrant and sustainable real estate industry, we believe it is essential to address the impact fee structure to ensure a fair and equitable system that balances the needs of the community and addresses the interests of property owners.