A.

The City will identify and administer programs to assist mobile home renters who are being displaced to supplement what assistance if funding is available through the SHIP program or other local programs.

B.

The City will help connect mobile homeowners and tenants with community resources for housing navigation, housing counseling, and other applicable services that may assist residents from the closing Mobile Home Park for relocation.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

An Applicant may provide an alternative means of meeting the requirements of section 723.083, F.S. by addressing, in a manner acceptable to the City, any affordability gap, using the criteria defined in this Chapter, between the cost of the identified replacement unit and the affordable rent as published by the SHIP Program for the Mobile Home Owner's household income category.

B.

Alternative mitigation must be included in the Applicant's relocation plan and reviewed and approved by the City.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

The purpose of this chapter is to mitigate impacts of displacement to Mobile Home Owners due to a request for a Qualifying Official Government Action (QOGA) to change the use of the property to something other than a Mobile Home Park.

B.

The City of Largo adopted this chapter to address its responsibilities under Section 723.083, Florida Status (Florida Mobile Home Act), which requires that "No agency of municipal, local, county, or state government shall approve any application for rezoning, or take any other official action, which would result in the removal or relocation of mobile home owners residing in a mobile home park without first determining that adequate mobile home parks or other suitable facilities exist for the relocation of the mobile home owners."

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

This chapter sets forth the application and review process required for City approval of a relocation plan for Mobile Home Owners due to a proposed change in use of a Mobile Home Park. This plan must be approved by the City prior to an application to the City for a QOGA. This chapter also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Applicant, the City, and the applicable Mobile Home Owners, and the process for implementing and administering the Supplemental Rental Assistance Fund (SRAF) for displaced Mobile Home Owners.

B.

Resident-owned (co-op) mobile home developments involved in legally sanctioned and voluntary applications for changes of use are specifically excluded from the provisions of this chapter.

C.

Tenants/renters that do not hold title to the mobile home unit are not covered under the provisions of this chapter 19 or Chapter 723, F.S. but may be able to access other types of relocation assistance through the City's Housing Division or countywide services.

D.

For purposes of this chapter, "Applicant" is defined as the property owner and/or developer of a Mobile Home Park that seeks to change the use of the property.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

The relocation plan approval process consists of five (5) distinct phases:

(1)

Application: Applicant remits to the City:

a.

A relocation plan application;

b.

Documentation of which units are owned by the Applicant/Property Owner (certificate of titles or other) that would not be subject to relocation assistance under this chapter; and

c.

Payment of application fee (see the City's Fee Schedule in Appendix B, City Code) Development Controls Officer (DCO) at the City of Largo.

(2)

Neighborhood Meeting: The City will facilitate coordination of a neighborhood information meeting for all Mobile Home Park residents. The neighborhood meeting is intended to both share information and collect relevant information from residents that can aid in helping with the Applicant's relocation plan, identify who are Mobile Home Owners and who are not, and identify each household's relocation needs for City staff to utilize for making resource connections.

(3)

Relocation Plan: The relocation plan must provide information to support the necessary determination that adequate mobile home communities, or other suitable facilities (housing units), exist for the relocation of the Mobile Home Owners being displaced. The Applicant is responsible for identifying a replacement lot in a mobile home community (if the unit is movable) or other suitable housing within ten (10) miles of the subject property for each Mobile Home Owner.

a.

The Applicant completes and remits the relocation plan to the DCO after the neighborhood meeting has been held.

b.

The Applicant shall utilize the City's relocation plan template to be provided by the City's Housing Division for creating the relocation plan. The plan must include, but is not limited to:

(i)

Mobile home unit information (e.g. unit size, occupancy, condition of all units in the Mobile Home Park);

(ii)

Mobile home household profiles (e.g. unit ownership status, household size for all households in the Mobile Home Park); and

(iii)

Identification of available adequate replacement housing (for Mobile Home Owners only). Refer to Section 19.1.3.(4)(b) for criteria for determining what qualifies as "adequate replacement housing."

c.

The City will provide the applicable current Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent (FMR) Rates for Pinellas County by unit size (number of bedrooms) for the Applicant to use in determining "adequate replacement housing".

d.

If the Applicant proposes to relocate mobile homes from the existing Mobile Home Park to another Mobile Home Park, the Applicant must:

(i)

Identify available vacant mobile home lots; and

(ii)

The Applicant must include a copy of an inspection report by an independent certified engineer with the relocation plan that indicates the mobile home unit is structurally able to be moved and inhabited.

(4)

Relocation Plan Review:

a.

DCO reviews the relocation plan and shall determine if the Relocation Plan is complete and has identified other suitable mobile home communities, or other suitable facilities (see "adequate replacement housing" criteria in Section 19.1.3.A.(4)b. for the relocation of mobile home owners being displaced in accordance with section 723.083, F.S.

b.

Key criteria of "adequate replacement housing" include:

(i)

Affordability: The proposed housing options must represent the least cost-burdensome increase in monthly housing costs from the displaced Mobile Home Owners' current housing costs.

(ii)

Suitability: The housing options must be decent, safe, and sanitary and suitable in terms of meeting the living requirements and needs of the displaced Mobile Home Owners (e.g. number of bedrooms and accessibility accommodations); and

(iii)

Availability: Units must be vacant/available at the time of data gathering and must be located within a 10-mile radius of the current mobile home park.

c.

If upon initial review of the relocation plan by the City's DCO, it is determined that additional information is required to make the requisite findings or there are deficiencies in the relocation plan, the DCO shall request a revision to the Relocation Plan.

d.

Application Review Determination:

(i)

Application Denial:

(a)

If the DCO determines that the Applicant's relocation plan is incomplete and/or has not identified adequate replacement housing, the DCO shall deny the Application.

(b)

The Applicant cannot submit an application for a QOGA if the Relocation Plan has been deemed non-compliant with this Chapter.

(c)

If the Applicant desires to continue with a change in land use of the mobile home park, the Applicant shall pay an additional review fee of fifty percent (50%) of the original application fee and submit a new Relocation Plan to the DCO for review.

(ii)

Conditional Approval:

(a)

The DCO will issue conditional approval if all other criteria are met, contingent upon the Applicant depositing funds into the Supplemental Rent Assistance Fund (SRAF) or providing proof of that equivalent lump sum rent assistance payments have been made to affected Mobile Home Owners, as defined in section 20.1M of this CDC.

(b)

The conditional approval letter will indicate the amount of funds due for deposit to the SRAF and the equivalent lump sum payment amounts to each Mobile Home Owner (section 19.2.3 - Calculation of SRAF and Lump Sum Payments).

(c)

The City will concurrently send letters to the Mobile Home Owners informing them of their two options (lump sum payment for rent assistance or 24-months' rent assistance) and indicating that they will have 15 business days from the date of the letter to contact the Applicant if they want to accept the lump sum payment in lieu of supplemental rent assistance, or will have up to 45 days prior to the end of the eviction period to apply for supplemental rent assistance through the SRAF with the City.

(d)

The lump sum rent assistance is separate from any payment from the Applicant to the Mobile Home Owner for purchasing the unit (or payment for abandonment of the unit, section 723.0612(7) F.S.)

(e)

No formal notice of park closure/eviction shall be issued until the DCO has issued final approval of the Applicant's Relocation Plan.

(5)

Final Approval:

a.

If the DCO approves the relocation plan, the DCO will issue final approval after SRAF deposits and/or proof of lump sum payments to Mobile Home Owners has been received by the City.

b.

Once the final relocation plan approval is issued, the Applicant may proceed with the minimum six-month park closure (eviction) notice to Mobile Home Owners and tenants in accordance with section 723.061.(d).2., F.S.

(i)

The notice of eviction due to a change in use of the land must include in bold font no smaller than the body of the notice the following statement:

"The City of Largo may be able to assist you with connecting to housing resources and rent assistance that you may be eligible to receive. Please contact (Insert name of Point of Contact (POC) at the City of Largo, phone number and email address of POC).
 
If you currently own the mobile home you are living in (you have the title with your name on it stating that you are the owner on record of the mobile home), you may also be entitled to compensation for the mobile home unit from the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund, administered by the Florida Mobile Park Relocation Corporation (FMPRC). The phone number to reach FMPRC is (888) 320-0322."

(ii)

For purposes of calculation of time, the eviction notice will be considered delivered five (5) days after the date postmarked. Therefore, the six-month eviction notice must include an additional five (5) days to account for the mailing period.

(iii)

The notices must be sent through certified U.S. Mail, with a return receipt requested, and the park owner must provide the City with proof that all notices were sent by certified mail, as part of the relocation plan application, and a copy of the notices, within twenty (20) days after mailing.

(iv)

The Applicant then shall provide the City copies of the confirmation of receipt by the Mobile Home Owners of the notices.

(v)

The property owner may also proceed with application for a QOGA in accordance with the City's standard development approval processes through the Planning Division.

(vi)

After final approval of the Relocation Plan, the City's Housing Division will mail letters to all mobile home park residents notifying them that they can contact the City to find out about available assistance including the Supplemental Rent Assistance Program (SRAP) funded by the SRAF for Mobile Home Owners and other programs/services that may be available to assist tenants/renters with relocation.

(vii)

For a QOGA application that requires action by the City Commission under this CDC, the agenda memo to the City Commission shall include the DCO's determination of approval or denial of the Relocation Plan.

B.

Identification of Additional Mobile Home Owners after Issuance of Conditional or Final Approval:

(1)

If a Mobile Home Owner with valid title is identified by the park owner after the relocation plan is approved, or if the City identifies additional Mobile Home Owner(s) after approval of the relocation plan, the Applicant or City must notify the other party within three business (3) days of discovery, and the Applicant must remit a revised mobile home Relocation Plan within five (5) business days of such notification.

(2)

Once the DCO reviews the revised Relocation Plan, the DCO will issue a revised conditional approval with the required SRAF deposit or equivalent lump sum payment that must be made if the Revised Plan meets the criteria of this Chapter

(3)

The Applicant must proceed with such payment within ten (10) business days of the DCO's revised conditional approval letter. Failure to do so will result in a halt of City review of any QOGA applications submitted to the City until such time payment is made.

C.

Administration of the Supplemental Rent Assistance Fund (SRAF):

(1)

Once funds are deposited by the Applicant, the City will administer distribution of SRAF payments for eligible Mobile Home Owners through the Supplemental Rent Assistance Program (SRAP) (see Section 19.6).

(2)

The City will send written notification to the Mobile Home Owners within five business (5) days of the final approval of the relocation plan notifying them of the approval to change the use of the land, informing them of available assistance and community resources.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

Noticing Requirements:

(1)

Within twenty (20) days after giving eviction notices to the Mobile Home Owners, in accordance with section 723.061(d)2, F.S., the Applicant must also provide a copy of the eviction (park closure) notice to:

a.

The Executive Director of the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation; and

b.

The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes of the Department of Business and Regulation (the Division) with a copy of the notice in accordance with section 723.061(1)(d)2, F.S.

B.

Mobile Home Relocation:

(1)

In accordance with section 723.06116, F.S., if a Mobile Home Owner is required to move due to a change in land use of property being used as a mobile home park, the mobile home park owner shall, pay to the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation (FMHRC) for deposit in the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund (FMHRTF) $3,000.00 for each single-section mobile home and $6,000.00 for each multi-section mobile home for which a Mobile Home Owner has made application for payment of moving expenses.

(2)

A mobile home park owner is not required to make the payment prescribed above when:

a.

The park owner moves a Mobile Home Owner to another space in the mobile home park or to another mobile home park at the park owner's expense;

b.

A Mobile Home Owner is vacating the premises and has informed the park owner or manager before notice of the change in use has been given;

c.

A Mobile Home Owner abandons the mobile home; or

d.

The mobile park owner has instituted an eviction action for nonpayment of lot rental against a Mobile Home Owner prior to the mailing date of the notice of change in land use of the mobile home park.

D.

Mobile Home Abandonment:

(1)

The Mobile Home Owner also has the option to abandon the mobile home in the park.

(2)

If a Mobile Home Owner abandons the mobile home as set forth in section 723.0612(7) F.S, the Mobile Home Owner must deliver the current title to the park owner, duly endorsed by the owner of record and the valid release of all liens shown on the title.

(3)

Mobile Home Owners may be eligible for a mobile home abandonment payment from FMHRC based on the FMHRC's adopted rate at the time of park closure. If the Applicant pays the Mobile Home Owner the equivalent or more for abandonment of the mobile home, the Mobile Home Owner cannot also collect from FMHRC.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

The SRAF or equivalent lump sum payments serve as a resource to fill the gap in housing affordability for Mobile Home Owners that will be displaced due to the change in land use of the mobile home park.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

Mobile Home Owners must meet the following criteria to be eligible for either the Supplemental Rent Assistance Program (SRAP) or equivalent lump sum payments:

(1)

Must be year-round residents of the closing Mobile Home Park. The Mobile Home Owner, and all people living in the mobile home, will have to provide proof that they live at the closing mobile home park as their primary (year-round) residence (copy of Florida Driver's License showing park address or similar legal documentation) and documentation that they do not own a secondary residence when they apply for the SRAP.

(2)

Title to their current mobile home in their name;

(3)

Must not own a second home; and

(4)

Must have an affordability gap between the SHIP maximum rent rate for their income level and the rent at the replacement housing.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

Once the City issues conditional approval of the Relocation Plan, the Applicant may offer lump sum payments to eligible Mobile Home Owners for the equivalent amount of 24-months' rent assistance the household would be eligible to receive from the SRAP.

(1)

The lump sum amount is calculated based on the same formula for the SRAF deposit with the assumption at 50% Area Medium Income (AMI) and adjusted for the number of bedrooms in the mobile home.

B.

This payment is separate from the required abandonment cost for the mobile home and/or any additional sales price negotiated between the Applicant and the Mobile Home Owner.

C.

The payment must be made to the Mobile Home Owner by the Applicant before the Applicant deposits funds into the SRAF.

(1)

The Applicant must provide the City proof of payment (copy of check) and a copy of a signed agreement/waiver between the Applicant and Mobile Home Owner for payment of a lump sum amount for rent assistance and that states no further rent assistance will be provided by the Applicant or the City.

(2)

This documentation must be provided before or at the time of the Applicant's deposit into the SRAF for all Mobile Home Owners that were not paid lump sum payments.

D.

Lump sum payments directly made to the Mobile Home Owner by the Applicant reduces the amount of administrative fee due to the City with the deposit into the SRAF.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

The Relocation Plan submitted by the Applicant and the information collected from the households at the neighborhood meeting will be used in the calculation of the SRAF deposit. The amount deposited into the SRAF will be calculated by the City or its designee using the following methodology:

(1)

Step 1: List Maximum SHIP Rent Rates for households at 50% AMI for each size mobile home (by bedrooms) that were in effect at the time the relocation plan was conditionally approved.

(2)

Step 2: List the HUD FMR for each size mobile home (by bedrooms) that were in effect at the time the relocation plan was conditionally approved.

(3)

Step 3: Subtract Step 2 from Step 1 and multiply that total by 24 months to calculate SRAF deposit (subtotal).

(4)

Step 4: Multiply the Difference from Step 3 by 24 months to calculate the Per Unit Subtotal.

(5)

Step 5: Use the relocation plan submitted by the Applicant to identify the number of mobile homes for each category of number of bedrooms. Use only eligible Mobile Home Owner-occupied units in this calculation (excludes vacant homes, tenant-occupied homes, and homes occupied by seasonal residents/residents with a second home). If there are households for which information has not been able to be documented through information collected from residents at the neighborhood meeting or through other outreach efforts, it will be assumed the unit has two bedrooms and may be eligible for rent assistance. Households without documented information will not be eligible for lump sum payments or rent assistance without providing documentation of eligibility.

(6)

Step 6: Multiply the Per Unit Subtotal in Step 4 by the number of mobile homes listed in Step 5.

(7)

Step 7: Subtract any equivalent lump sum rent payments that have been made to eligible Mobile Home Owners and record the subtotal of rent assistance due from the Applicant.

(8)

Step 8: Multiply the Subtotal from Step 7 by 15% to calculate the non-refundable administration fee.

(9)

Step 9: Add the total from Step 7 and 8 to calculate the Total SRAF deposit due from the Applicant.

Figure 19.1. Example Calculations(Utilizing 2025 FMR for 33770 Zip Code and SHIP Rental Rates)

B.

SRAF funds are deposited by check from the Applicant to the City.

(1)

The City deposits the SRAF subtotal into an escrow account held by the City to use for making rent assistance payments to eligible Mobile Home Owners. Any unused balance at the end of the SRAF period shall be refunded to the Applicant. Any portion of funds not awarded to eligible Mobile Home Owners during the application period shall be refunded within 60 days to the Applicant. Within 60 days of the end of the 24-month period for rent assistance, any unused portion of the awarded rent assistance shall be refunded to the Applicant.

(2)

The administrative fee is non-refundable and is not included in the SRAF escrow account. This fee is used to cover the City's costs for administration of the rent assistance fund.

C.

Equivalent Lump Sum Payment shall be calculated in the same method as above on a per unit basis (Per Unit Subtotal).

(1)

Example (using data from Figure 19.1) - A household in a 2-bedroom unit would be eligible for $15,408 as an equivalent lump sum in lieu of monthly rent assistance payment.

D.

Deposit into the SRAF and/or documentation of equivalent lump sum payments made to mobile home owners must be made prior to the City's issuance of final approval of the relocation plan, and prior to the City's acceptance of an application for a QOGA.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

Rental assistance payments from the SRAF program are available for qualified Mobile Home Owners to relocate to adequate replacement housing by assisting with the gap in affordability of rent rates. The amount of the rental assistance payment shall be sufficient to cover the gap between the rent of the identified eligible unit and the Mobile Home Owner's affordability.

B.

Affordability will be based on gross household income, adjusted for household size as defined by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP), section 420.907, Florida Statutes, using the rents published annually for the SHIP program, adjusted for utilities.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

Mobile Home Owners requesting rental assistance will be required to complete an Application for Rental Assistance in a form acceptable to the City or its designee at least 45 days before the eviction deadline. The following documentation shall be required with the application:

(1)

Mobile Home Ownership: Documentation establishing the applicant for SRAP as an owner of record for the mobile home per chapter 723, Florida Statutes.

(2)

Income & Household Size: Documentation of household members, income, and financial assets of household members (this program uses the SHIP program method for income certification).

(3)

Proof of Residency: Proof that the applicant and all people living in the mobile home live at the closing mobile home park as their primary (year-round) residence (copy of Florida Driver's License showing park address or similar legal documentation) and documentation that they do not own a secondary residence.

(4)

In Good Standing: Must be in good standing, as evidenced by no pending legal actions for eviction for non-compliance with park rules or past due rent/fees, unless such rents and other fees are being withheld by the applicant due to a bona fide order by a court pending resolution of a pending legal action.

(5)

Current Mobile Home Size: Confirmation of the number of bedrooms in the current mobile home.

(6)

New Unit Information: Conditional approval based on the information in items a-e above may be issued by the City or its designee in order to provide documentation to the Mobile Home Owner of their rent assistance eligibility to provide to prospective landlords. Final approval will be issued after the Mobile Home Owner is approved for a rental unit and provides a copy of:

a.

Lease indicating the monthly rent rate:

(i)

Must have an affordability gap between the SHIP Maximum Rent Rate for their income level and the rent at the replacement housing.

(ii)

Must not exceed the HUD FMR in effect at the time the relocation was approved.

b.

Amount due at move-in (if requesting assistance with rent/utility deposits); and

c.

W9 tax form for the new landlord

d.

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection: Prior to the execution of the lease, the unit must be inspected by a certified Housing Quality Standard (HQS) Inspector to establish that the unit meets the minimum criteria essential for the health and safety of the household members. The City or its designee will coordinate this inspection and funds from the administrative fee paid from the Applicant will be used to cover the cost of the inspection.

B.

Applications will be reviewed by the City or its designee to determine eligibility for rent assistance. Failure of Mobile Home Owners to provide timely, accurate, and complete information may render them ineligible for rental assistance.

C.

Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-eligible basis until all funds in the SRAF have been awarded.

D.

Rental assistance payments will be made by the City or its designee directly to the landlord on behalf of the homeowner. No payment will be made directly to any Mobile Home Owner, guardian, or family member of a Mobile Home Owner.

E.

If the household moves during the 24-month period, new information must be provided to the City to confirm continued eligibility for rent assistance amounts. Rent assistance will not be increased for the second year.

F.

The rental assistance payment benefit period must be consecutive and cannot exceed twenty-four (24) months.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)

A.

Conditional Award - Upon receipt and review of a complete application and confirming eligibility (Subsection 19.6.2.A.(1)a.(6), the City or its designee may issue a conditional award letter that details the maximum amount of rent assistance for the Mobile Home Owner's household. To calculate the maximum award:

(1)

Step 1: Determine Maximum SHIP Rent Rate based on the household's actual income level (using the SHIP income and rent chart) for the equivalent number of bedrooms in their current unit. This will be the amount the Mobile Home Owner would be responsible to pay.

(2)

Step 2: Determine the Maximum HUD FMR for the same number of bedrooms as their current unit.

(3)

Step 3: Subtract the Maximum SHIP Rent Rate from the HUD FMR to determine the monthly rent assistance.

(4)

Step 4: Multiply the monthly rent assistance by 24 to calculate the maximum assistance permitted.

(5)

Step 5: Since the same income certification method is being used for this program as for the SHIP Program, rent and utility deposit assistance may be available under the SHIP Program if funds are available and can be included on the same conditional award letter. In the event SHIP funding is not available for rent and utility deposits, the Mobile Home Owner may request to allocate a portion of the 24-months' rent assistance toward rent and utility deposits, which then reduces their maximum number of months of rent assistance.

a.

Example: Max HUD FMR for a 2-bedroom unit (for Pinellas County) of $1,851.00 less the SHIP Maximum Rent Rate for a 2-bedroom unit at 50% AMI of $1,075.00 (Mobile Home Owner's rent portion) = $776.00 month rent subsidy × 24 months = $18,624.

(6)

Funding will be reserved for each application until all funds are awarded.

B.

Final Award - Once a recipient has located a rental unit:

(1)

Step 1: Verify the actual rent rate at new unit on the new lease and confirm the rent rate does not exceed the HUD FMR.

(2)

Step 2: Subtract the rent rate from the maximum SHIP rent rate (Mobile Home Owner's share) to determine the actual per month subsidy.

(3)

Step 3: Multiply the per month subsidy by 24 months. Funding will be encumbered in the City's financial system based on the total rent assistance for each case.

C.

Other Information -

(1)

Rent assistance is based on equivalent sized unit (number of bedrooms) as the Mobile Home Owner's existing unit size. However, this does not preclude the household from selecting a different sized unit for relocation. The following parameters will be used in rent assistance calculations:

a.

If a Mobile Home Owner selects a new unit with fewer bedrooms than the existing unit, the final award will be based on the gap between the Max SHIP Rent Rate for the new sized unit and the FMR for the new sized unit.

b.

If a Mobile Home Owner selects a new unit with more bedrooms than the existing unit, the final award will be no more than the final award would have been for an equivalent sized unit. The HUD FMR for the new unit must still be under the FMR for the equivalent sized unit as the prior unit.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 1-6-2026)