Florida CARH News
USDA Launches Rural Housing Modernization Initiative
USDA announces the Rural Housing Modernization Initiative, upgrading loan program delivery for rural communities without changing eligibility standards or funding levels.
REMINDER: CARH’s Top 20 for 2026 Survey – Complete This Year’s Survey Today!
On March 24, 2026, the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing issued the following reminder:
Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Landmark Housing Bill, Signaling Major Shift in National Housing Policy
A major bipartisan housing reform effort cleared the U.S. Senate this week, as lawmakers voted 89–10 to advance the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, marking one of the most significant federal housing initiatives to move forward in nearly three decades. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives, where its path forward remains uncertain amid internal divisions.
RD Stakeholder Announcement: Multifamily Housing 2025 Fiscal Year-End Updated Submission Requirements
To support the Trump Administration’s efforts to streamline and modernize government services, the MFH Field Operations Division has centralized the submission process for annual financial reports. This ensures consistent and timely receipt of year-end documents.
RD and HUD Final Rule Removing 30-Day Notice Requirement for Nonpayment of Rent
RHS rescinds its 30-day eviction notice rule for nonpayment in Sections 514, 515, and 538 properties, while CARES Act requirements remain in effect.
What Florida Housing Providers Need to Know About HUD’s New Citizenship Verification Proposal
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has published a proposed rule aimed at strengthening and standardizing how citizenship and eligible immigration status are verified for all residents of federally assisted housing programs.
Bipartisan Housing Package Passes U.S. House: What It Means for Affordable and Rural Housing
In a rare show of bipartisan momentum, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644) on Feb. 9 — a sweeping federal housing package aimed at addressing the nation’s housing shortage and improving affordability.
HUD: Delays Fiscal Year 2026 Income Limits Until May 1
As a result of this decision by the Census Bureau, it will be necessary for HUD to delay the release of FY 2026 median family incomes and income limits by one month, from April 1, 2026 to May 1, 2026.
January 2026 News Roundup
We roundup the news in affordable and rural housing for January 2026.
Rural Housing Service – Multifamily Housing New Reserve Request Submission Process
On December 17, Rural Development issued a Stakeholder Announcement entitled, Rural Housing Service – Multifamily Housing New Reserve Request Submission Process.
UPDATE – Rural Housing Service – Management Interactive Network Connection (MINC) Technical Issues
Rural Development issued a Stakeholder Announcement entitled, Rural Housing Service – Management Interactive Network Connection (MINC) Technical Issues – UPDATE.
Rural Housing Service – Multifamily Housing New Reserve Request Submission Processs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Office of Multifamily Housing (MFH) is notifying borrowers, management agents, and lenders of upcoming modernization changes to the reserve request withdrawal process.
Secretary Publishes Letter on Screening Criminal Responsibilities
The Office of Multifamily Housing Programs is announcing that the Secretary has published a letter on screening criminal responsibilities.
Government Shutdown Ends After 43 days—USDA Receives Full Year Funding
On November 12, 2025, after 43 days of the federal government being shut down, President Trump signed into law legislation that temporarily reopens the government until January 30, 2026.
Beyond the Coastline: Florida’s Rural Developers Have New Tools to Build Affordable Housing
Beyond the Coastline: Florida’s Rural Developers Have New Tools to Build Affordable Housing.
Government Shutdown Update – Rural Housing Service
Congress has yet to reach an agreement on any of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding bills or a short-term Continuing Resolution. As a result, the federal government has shut down, and the shutdown is now entering its fifth week. As CARH members know, the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the impact will be on affordable housing programs that rely on federal funding.
Flood, Cleaver Introduce HOME Reform Act
This week Chairman Mike Flood (R-NE) and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee introduced the HOME Reform Act of 2025 (H.R. 5798) that would make numerous changes to the administration of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. A summary of the most significant changes included in the bill follows.
Living in HUD or USDA Housing? Here’s What a Government Shutdown Means for You
When the federal government shuts down, many services and programs can be delayed or disrupted because agencies stop non-essential activities until funding is approved. NHLP explains what this means for tenants in housing supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural housing programs, and outlines what renters should know and what to do.
ROAD to Housing Act Included in NDAA Passed by Senate
On Oct. 9, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which notably includes the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, co-led by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). This marks the first major housing package to advance through the Senate in nearly 17 years, representing a significant bipartisan achievement for housing advocates nationwide.
Rural Housing Service – Multifamily Housing New Reserve Request Submission Process
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Office of Multifamily Housing (MFH) is notifying borrowers, management agents, and lenders of upcoming modernization changes to the reserve request withdrawal process.