Originally Posted Sunday, July 1, 2007
A bill proposing double rent that eventually met a single no.
It seems as if Gov. Crist has the final word on the ambitious (HB 1277)Early Lease Termination bill that attempted to give property managers the right to instantly charge up to 2 months rent as a fee for breaking a lease.
Florida Apartment Association lobbyist Ron Book vigorously promoted the infamous "double rent bill" at a recent press conference arguing its benefits to tenants. The current law holds renters responsible for the remaining term of a lease, or until a unit is re-rented.
The legislature favored the new bill so much that in May of '07 the it passed with flying colors through the state senate with a unanimous 37-0 vote. Ultimately, it met a swift veto from Gov. Crist. A well documented but interesting fact is that up until his impressive election victory, Crist was one of the state's estimated 5.4 million renters. "I had to do that(break a lease) when I moved into the mansion. And it was costly - like 900 bucks," Crist said. "I feel the people's pain. I live it."
In its memory here's a clip that I couldn't resist posting that may shed a little light on the short life of an ambitious bill. Enjoy!
