ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Even though the state now regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants, one member of the St. Petersburg City Council plans to incorporate one of the strongest points from the now-defunct Tenants' Bill of Rights. 

The council repealed its Tenants' Bill of Rights in light of Florida’s new Landlord Law. However, activists are still working to establish an ordinance against what they consider being income discrimination.

Aaron Lester’s family has been living in St. Pete for generations. However, with the recent repeal of the city’s Tenants' Bill of Rights through House Bill 1417, which safeguarded tenants from eviction without proper notification and income discrimination, Lester is worried about the future of his family and their ability to continue living in St. Pete.

“We all need a place to live and not everyone makes enough money,” he said. “I know my brother has had issues finding his own place.”

Lester points out that due to the shortage of housing and growing demand, cities such as St. Petersburg are facing an unprecedented situation. This has resulted in tenants struggling to afford their rent and an increase in homelessness.

“It’s only going to get worse,” the St. Pete Tenants' Union organizer said.

One of the key protections provided by the no-longer-existent St. Pete Tenants' Bill of Rights was protection against income discrimination. According to District 8 Councilman Richie Floyd, individuals who receive rental assistance such as Section 8 are frequently disregarded or turned down by landlords.

“It could be from your local, federal, or your employer as well because the City of St. Pete offers housing assistance to employees,” said Floyd. “It made it difficult for people who had done everything correctly to be able to get into a place.”

Legislation to prevent discrimination under the Fair Housing Act in Chapter 760 is being drafted by Councilman Floyd. His motion was passed with a 5 to 1 vote.

“It’s important for us to try to do it locally and step up where we can,” he said.

The St. Pete Tenants' Union is advocating for Floyd to include more protective measures in the draft to safeguard immigrants, victims of domestic violence, and members of tenant unions from being denied by landlords.