Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Introduces Bill to Identify and Remove Barriers to Affordable Housing

WASHINGTON, D.C. ─ Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) introduced the Lower Housing Costs Study Act of 2025, which would identify and remove barriers to affordable housing in South Florida.

"Outdated local and state laws often remain a barrier to the development of affordable homes," said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). "My bill cuts the red tape that comes in the form of antiquated ordinances, which stifle construction and drive-up housing prices. Homeownership should be attainable for every South Florida family - and this legislation takes us a step closer to making that reality."

There is an overwhelming consensus among experts that antiquated zoning and ordinance laws at the local and state levels make it extraordinarily difficult for housing developers to construct new homes.

The Lower Housing Costs Study Act of 2025 would require U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary to issue an annual report outlining successful strategies that promote affordable housing at the state and local levels. These policy recommendations would be developed using state and local housing regulations data collected by the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse (RUC), providing lawmakers with key insights on outdated or burdensome regulations that hinder the construction of new homes.

South Florida and the nation are experiencing a widespread housing affordability crisis. The lack of supply has caused a record surge in housing prices - with the median U.S. housing price reaching $426,900 - the highest price on record since the year 1999. In South Florida, the problem is particularly acute, with the average sales price of a single-family home in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area reaching $640,000.

The bill is endorsed by the National Neighborworks Association and the National Housing Law Project.

The full text of the bill can be found here.