Media/Press

All media inquiries should be directed to Mark Hendrickson via email mark@thehendricksoncompany.com or by phone 850-671-5601.

Follow the Sadowski Coalition on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news and conversations from around the state.

Send an email to Mark Hendrickson with images of housing funded with SAIL or SHIP dollars and let us know the name of the development and partners who should be acknowledged.

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Where Does the Money Go?

SHIP Distribution Estimates for FY2025-26 (01.2025)

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Read the Report:

OPPAGA issues a very favorable report about SHIP in 2024.

News

Housing services program helps underserved population in county

February 26, 2025 | Citrus County Chronicle

Citrus County Housing Services is a fully grant-funded program with 12 employees. So began Director Michelle Alford’s update to Citrus County Commissioners on her department’s programs.

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Leon County family receives new home thanks to Homeownership Development Program

February 17, 2025 | WCTV

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – With the cut of a ribbon, a Leon County family was welcomed into their new home during a ceremony on Wednesday, February 12.

“A new home is a new chapter, and my story is just the beginning,” said new homeowner Ayaunni Harris.

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Takeaways from Tallahassee — The big game

February 8, 2025 | Florida Politics

Your guide to the Noles (and Gators) suiting up for the Super Bowl.

Looking for an excuse to get excited for the Super Bowl? We might have one for you.

When the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles kick off Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, a handful of Noles will be on the roster. And, Tallahassee connection or not, Florida Politics’ resident Gators fan insists we name-drop the former UF players who’ll suit up as well.

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Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 2.4.25

February 4, 2025 | Florida Politics

Your morning download of Florida political power plays. Good Tuesday morning.

Breaking late Monday — “Pam Bondi nomination advances” in Senate via Kathleen Hunter of Axios — The Senate voted 52-46 to limit debate on Bondi’s nomination for Attorney General, moving her closer to confirmation.

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Ron DeSantis Proposes Florida State Budget for 2025-26

February 3, 2025 | Florida Daily

TALLAHASSEE – Earlier today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026. DeSantis’ proposed budget, titled the “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility,” totals $115.6 billion and includes $14.6 billion in reserves. This budget represents a significant reduction in spending compared to last year while still leaving sufficient resources to address unforeseen economic challenges.

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Housing update shows gains from Live Local Act, but affordability challenges linger in large counties

January 14, 2025 | Florida Politics

A change in law allowed construction of more working class housing, but market challenges remain.

Millions in state funding has been directed toward affordable housing through the Live Local Act. But state officials say rent and mortgage still eat up half the household budget for 1.4 million Floridians.

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How a new state law is helping to transform the vacant Sanibel Outlets

September 16, 2024 | Fox 4 Now

SOUTHWEST, Fla. — A new state law is helping to spur housing development in some blighted areas of southwest Florida.

On the way to Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, demolition crews are tearing down the iconic Sanibel Outlets.

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State Housing Initiative Partnership provides assistance to those in need

July 23, 2024 | WJHG

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Affordable housing is a big need in Panama City. The State Housing Initiative Partnership, better known as SHIP, aims to help preserve and produce affordable housing for the area.

The funds are to help residents with very low or low to moderate incomes in the city. To qualify, residents must meet the income requirement as well as a few other criteria. Those that are qualified have a wide range of opportunities to get the help they need, such as purchase assistance, foreclosure prevention, rental assistance and deposit assistance. City staff say the program helps address the demand for affordable housing in the community.

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Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics

June 13, 2024 | Florida Politics

Get ready for an espresso shot of Florida politics and policy. Good Thursday morning.

Add Florida Atlantic University’s pollsters to the list of those showing the race for Florida’s electoral votes tightening. Perhaps more surprising, the pollster also showed U.S. Sen. Rick Scott with just a 2-percentage-point lead, months after the same polling outfit showed the incumbent with a 17-point advantage.

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Leon County: Program aims to help low income homeowners after tornadoes

June 12, 2024 | Tallahassee Democrat

Money is still available, up to $30,000 for some Leon County households, as tornado recovery efforts continue a month after the May 10 storms.

As community members still grapple with the emotional and physical aftermath of three tornadoes, Leon County Housing Services Manager Jelani Marks wants to bring awareness to grant funds aiming to help homeowners in the unincorporated areas.

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Florida’s Live Local Act spurs new affordable housing in East Hillsborough

December 19, 2023 | WMNF

A new affordable housing project under Florida’s new “Live Local” Act is underway in Hillsborough County.

The new project will create 140 affordable apartments in Seffner for seniors. Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan was one of many speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony.

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Reaction Comes in Across Florida to Ron DeSantis’ Budget Proposal

December 6, 2023 | Florida Daily

“The Sadowski Coalition thanks Governor DeSantis for his consistent and strong support of affordable and attainable housing,” said Mark Hendrickson, the facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and executive director of the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities

“Time and again, this governor has stood in support of housing, supporting both of Florida’s vital housing programs – the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program and the State Apartment Incentive Loan program.

“Governor DeSantis has delivered yet again for Floridians in his budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 by recommending full funding for Florida’s SHIP and SAIL programs,” continued Hendrickson. “We commend Governor DeSantis for his unwavering support of housing, and we look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature as the budget process continues.”

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Affordable housing advocates cheer Gov. DeSantis for funding Sadowski trust, Live Local Act

December 5, 2023 | Florida Politics

The Governor’s budget fully funds SHIP and SAIL. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget fully funds an affordable housing trust. Time will tell if the Legislature follows his lead.

The Sadowski Coalition praised DeSantis, who has consistently supported state housing programs.

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Live Local Act a historic advancement for affordable housing

May 1, 2023 | Ft. Myers News-Press

Wednesday, March 29, 2023, was a historic day for housing in the State of Florida. The Live Local Act, a bill introduced during the 2023 Florida Legislative Session, was officially signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. 

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Passage of Live Local Act signals sincere effort to address affordable housing in Florida

May 1, 2023 | Tallahassee Democrat

Wednesday, March 29, 2023, was a historic day for housing in the state of Florida. The Live Local Act, a bill introduced during the current legislative session, was officially signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

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Florida passed historic pro-housing legislation. Here’s what you need to know

April 12, 2023 | WUSF

The new law, dubbed the Live Local Act, marks a historic investment in affordable housing through a series of tax breaks, incentives for development and a record $811 million in funding. The Florida Legislature passed a major housing bill the last week of March. The new law (SB 102), dubbed the Live Local Act, marks an historic investment in affordable housing through a series of tax breaks, incentives for development and up to $811 million in funding.

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25,000 affordable housing units may be built, Florida advocates say

March 31, 2023 | First Coast News

The Live Local Act allots more than $700 million for affordable housing projects. Affordable housing advocates in Jacksonville say a tenant bill of rights is needed. The Live Local Act just signed by the governor allots more than $700 million for affordable housing projects. The money for housing programs is receiving praise, but some affordable housing advocates in Jacksonville are pushing for something the law doesn’t include at an event Sunday.

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Legislature approves Passidomo’s affordable housing bill

March 24, 2023 | Politico

Florida legislators are pumping more than $700 million into affordable housing programs in an attempt to deal with the state’s persistent housing affordability crisis under a bill sent Friday to Gov. Ron DeSantis. But the legislation — which is the top session priority for Senate President Kathleen Passidomo — contains new restrictions on local governments to combat rising rents that drew opposition from some House Democrats on Friday.

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House passes “Live Local” affordable workforce housing measure

March 24, 2023 | The Capitolist

The Florida House of Representatives passed SB 102, referred to as the “Live Local Act,” on Friday, enacting measures in an attempt to tackle the state’s ongoing affordable housing crisis. The bill, introduced by Sen. Alexis Calatayud, aims to provide incentives to private developers to construct affordable housing units for low-to-moderate-income workers in the area where they work. The legislation served as a top priority for Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and received bipartisan support.

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Florida has an affordable housing crisis. Will new legislation fix it?

March 24, 2023 | Tampa Bay Times

For years, as the cost of buying a home or renting an apartment has risen faster than in most other states, Florida legislators have not made it a priority, routinely diverting millions from the fund devoted to financing affordable housing. That changed this week, when the Legislature passed the state’s most meaningful housing legislation in decades.

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Florida Senate President’s priority: Easing affordable housing crisis

March 20, 2023 | WLRN

Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, in an exclusive interview with the Florida Roundup, said her ambitious $711 million proposal to alleviate the state’s affordable housing crisis includes financial incentives to developers to build apartments in strip shopping centers and other commercial areas.

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Senate President’s signature initiative: Hundreds of millions for affordable housing; is it enough?

March 6, 2023 | Florida Phoenix

When a major legislative proposal addressing Florida’s affordable housing crisis was introduced by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo in late January, some Democratic lawmakers quickly blasted the plan as a giveaway to developers, in part because it bans rent control measures that many residents would want. But whatever their qualms were at that time, key Democratic senators have come to support Passidomo’s signature initiative for the 2023 session that begins March 7.

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Florida’s long struggle to fix the affordable housing crisis, explained

March 5, 2023 | The Capitolist

With more and more people flocking to Florida with each passing year, the Sunshine State’s success is also starting to cast some long, dark shadows that threaten to engulf hundreds of thousands of people who are steadily getting priced out of the state’s increasingly expensive housing market. The dream of living in a tropical paradise with a low cost of living is quickly fading as workers struggle to find affordable housing close to their workplaces while making ends meet in a nation where the cost of living continues to rise.

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‘Live Local Act’ targeting affordable housing heads to Senate floor with changes

February 22, 2023 | Florida Politics

Proponents call it the most important affordable housing measure in decades. Critics say it will keep local governments from addressing the problem. A legislative package meant to increase Florida’s affordable housing inventory while banning local governments from imposing rent controls is on its way to the Florida Senate floor after undergoing several changes. On Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a substitute version of the bill (SB 102), dubbed the “Live Local Act,” a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.

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Sunburn – What’s Hot in Florida Politics – 2.9.23

February 9, 2023 | Florida Politics

“We applaud the Senate Committee on Community Affairs today for their support of Senate Bill 102 and for passing it out of their committee,” said Mark Hendrickson, the facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and executive director of the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities “This is a well-thought-out and collaborative piece of legislation that will help to address Florida’s backlog of affordable, attainable and workforce housing in the state. SB 102 will not only maintain the high level of funding for Florida’s SHIP and SAIL programs, but it will provide additional funding for SAIL and work to increase attainable and affordable housing options — for Floridians of all income levels and all stages of life — throughout the state.”

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Editorial | State OKs tax credits for proposed housing project

January 27, 2023 | Citrus County Chronicle

In a competitive process, one of four affordable housing projects planned for Citrus County was recently able to secure approval from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), which oversees tax credits for affordable housing: The Fountains at Hidden Lake at West Ashburn Lane and U.S. 19, Crystal River.

Sunburn – What’s Hot in Florida Politics – 1.27.23

January 27, 2023 | Florida Politics

Sadowski Coalition applauds Passidomo’s affordable housing plan — The Sadowski Coalition praised the “LIVE LOCAL Workforce Housing Proposal” put forward by Passidomo and carried by Sen. Alexis Calatayud. “On behalf of the Sadowski Coalition, we thank Senate President Passidomo for addressing the dire need of affordable, attainable and workforce housing in the state, and we are excited to see the introduction of this proposal,” said Mark Hendrickson, the facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and executive director of the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities. “The Senate President has long been an advocate for housing — from sponsoring ‘Stop the Sweeps’ legislation and supporting the full funding of Florida’s SHIP and SAIL programs — and we are confident that this work on housing will move forward good policies to unlock more housing supply and options.

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Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo unveils plan to tackle affordable housing ‘crisis’

January 26, 2023 | WFTS-TV

Florida’s Senate president thinks she has a plan to tackle the state’s affordable housing crisis. President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, unveiled a massive 93-page bill Thursday. It aims to spur private developers to create more affordable housing, ensuring Floridians can live near places they work. “This is something that is a crisis in our state,” Passidomo said during a morning news conference. “It has become a huge burden on our citizens and our residents. It is something that we have to address.”

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Florida Senate wants to improve workforce housing but not through local rent controls

January 26, 2023 | Bradenton Herald

In a top priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, a proposal filed Thursday seeks to address housing affordability and make it possible for workers to live near where they are employed. The wide-ranging proposal (SB 102), dubbed the “Live Local Act,” includes providing incentives for private investment in affordable housing, offering flexible housing regulations that encourage mixed-use development in struggling commercial areas and preventing local rent controls.

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Legislation on affordable housing now filed at the state capitol for the upcoming session

January 26, 2023 | WCJB

State lawmakers want to offset rising real estate and rental costs, while making it possible for professional workers to live where they are employed. The wide-ranging housing proposal seeks to incentivize private sector investment into affordable housing. Minimize sprawl by offering flexible regulations that encourage mixed-used development and encourage homeownership and affordable rental options. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo says her goal is to change the perception of workforce housing, which often draws opposition within local communities.

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Senate President Kathleen Passidomo unveils affordable housing package

January 26, 2023 | Florida Politics

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo is releasing details about legislation to provide more affordable housing to residents, her top priority heading into the 60-day Regular Session. Skyrocketing rent and home prices have plagued cities throughout Florida in recent years, as its tourism-heavy economy relies on hospitality workers who often struggle to keep up as people from other states flock to the Sunshine State and housing supply doesn’t meet the demand. Rampant inflation in the past year has exacerbated the problem, as has Hurricane Ian, which battered the Naples Republican’s hometown.

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