Dennis.Harrison@jaxlegalaid.org

Legal experts and housing analysts are offered advice to help renters understand their rights and explore potential ways to negotiate lower monthly payments. RELATED: DOJ is accusing 6 major landlords of scheming to keep rents high. Two of them manage 21 properties across Jacksonville The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced a lawsuit against several major U.S. landlords, alleging they engaged in price fixing by sharing sensitive data about rental prices and occupancy rates. The lawsuit has sparked concerns among renters nationwide, including in Jacksonville, where residents face rising rent costs. More than 50% of Jacksonville renters are classified as “cost-burdened,” according to data from the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. This means over half of renters in the city are spending a significant portion of their income on housing, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. For renters facing temporary financial hardships or struggling with high rent, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid lawyer Rafael Mas emphasized the importance of proactive communication with landlords.

With Florida's 2025 legislative approaching, banks have begun a campaign to cut funding for legal programs that help veterans, domestic violence victims, and families facing eviction and foreclosure. As Florida lawmakers prepare for their next legislative session, the banking industry is lobbying to cut funding for legal programs that support veterans, victims of domestic violence, and families facing eviction and foreclosure. Just days after the end of the 2024 elections, records show a group of banks hired two lobbying firms in Tallahassee to push for the cuts when Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature convenes early next year for the 2025 session.