Florida appeals court rules against Orange County rent control ordinance

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An appeals court decision could block the Orange County rent stabilization ordinance that is currently on the ballot.

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A panel ruled in favor of Florida realtors and the apartment association that wanted to block the measure.

This comes less than two weeks before the election.

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Orange County has already counted more than 31,000 ballots so far, and Orange County Elections Supervisor Bill Cowles said there’s still time before a final decision is made.

Those in favor of the rent stabilization ordinance gathered outside the commission building Friday in support of the measure to cap rents for a year.

Watch: 14 complaints filed since Orange County instituted rent increase ordinance

The appeals panel majority said the ballot summary, the wording that people see when they vote, did not adequately describe the measure.

However, a new opinion filed Friday morning also clarifies that the status of the ordinance is still a possibility the county can file another motion for a rehearing.

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Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Demings issued a statement today saying that he’s willing to fight this in court.

“The Court confirmed that the law in Florida sets an extremely high bar for local governments wishing to pass a rent control measure.” Demings said. “Orange County will be filing a motion for rehearing.”

Orange County has until Monday to file the motion and then must wait for a response.

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