TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Mobile home owners will get a financial break and protections now that House Bill 613 is passed.

House Bill 613 addresses property rental increase notifications, shortens wait times for mediation and allows seniors to have live-in aides in their homes without paying additional rent.

One of the most significant benefits of living in a mobile home park has been affordability.

These parks typically have lower monthly fees than traditional apartments or homes, making them a budget-friendly option, especially for seniors on a fixed income.

“Everything is changing,” said mobile homeowner Rozaa Cardero. "The mobile home park is supposed to be for people who do not have a lot of money for the low income, but now it’s just not affordable for the low-income person.”

Cardero says her lot rent has gone up. And she is paying additional medical fees since fracturing both legs.

She still walks with a limp and is unable to work full-time.

“It’s painful, it’s broken here and here,” she said while pointing to the cast on her foot.

She supports House Bill 613 and said it could benefit her as she lives out her golden years in a mobile home.

Cardero says that having long-term guests in her community is discouraged.

“If somebody is coming to your house, you have to tell the office,” she said.

District 47 Rep. Paula Stark sponsored the bill and says not all mobile home parks are members of the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, so they may not follow existing laws to protect these residents.

“With inaction, this may be another way that we may increase our homelessness,” Stark said. “Voting up on this bill helps give a pathway to mobile home residents to have a voice in their circumstances and clarifies resources that are available to them as they age out in their homes.“

Cardero says this is an issue that has been overlooked for too long.

According to Statista, Florida ranks third in the country for the number of mobile home parks.

“If they had more protections for us, I think more people would stay in mobile homes,” said Cardero. “People that don’t have the money to pay on time, they give you (an) eviction.”

Once signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the new law would become effective July 1.