The DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University announced on Apr. 2 the launch of a new housing supply model and interactive map designed to address Florida’s ongoing housing shortage. The initiative, developed in partnership with Reason Foundation and the Florida Policy Project, aims to provide data-driven insights into the state’s estimated shortfall of 55,000 single-family homes and more than 66,000 rental units.
The model is intended to help policymakers, residents, and stakeholders better understand trends in housing surplus and deficit across all 67 counties in Florida. This tool arrives as several major metropolitan areas—including Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa—face some of the most severe shortages in the nation.
According to the institute’s analysis, key barriers contributing to these shortages include lengthy permitting delays that increase costs for builders and buyers; restrictive zoning rules that limit options for townhomes or apartments; underuse of flexible solutions such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or residential duplex units (RDUs); and political gridlock at local levels that can stall development projects.
Crystal Taylor, director of research for the DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University, said: “Currently, housing shortage and surplus trends is the key draw for users of the website. When home or rental prices are high, one of the first actionable steps local governments can do is to make sure there is enough housing inventory available. If there is a shortage, they can look at their local policies toward construction because fierce competition for limited home options drives up prices.”
Adrian Moore, Vice President of Reason Foundation said: “This model equips Floridians with a clear, data-backed understanding of their local housing challenges.”
Florida Policy Project Founder Jeff Brandes added: “Our goal is to empower residents and elected officials to work toward solutions that expand supply, reduce costs and preserve community character. We believe this tool will provide decision makers and Florida citizens real live data so they will make the tough decisions to propel Florida as the leader in housing affordability.”
The organizations involved conduct research focused on regulatory issues affecting communities (DeVoe L. Moore Institute), advance free market policy solutions (Reason Foundation), or develop practical recommendations around transparency and innovation (Florida Policy Project). The interactive map can be accessed through each organization’s website.
