Local

Lawmaker introduces bill to bring back rent control in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — A lawmaker wants to make it easier for Floridians afford their rent as prices push people out of their homes.

A state senator representing Orange and Osceola counties is fighting for rent control in Tallahassee.

WATCH: As investors eye Orlando’s real estate market, young workers feel pushed out

This comes as the average price of rent in Central Florida has increased again.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Rent prices in the past month have risen 2% for studios and 3% for two-bedroom apartments, and those prices aren’t expected to go down soon.

Lucas Ragsdale loves his apartment in Longwood. “It’s a really nice place to live,” Ragsdale said. “One bed, one bath.”

WATCH: Number of homes for sale around Orlando hits historic low

Right now, he’s paying $1,100 a month, far below the average price of rent throughout Central Florida.

He said he doesn’t think that price will be the same in a few months.

“I’m just scared when the lease renews, I won’t be able to stay,” Ragsdale said.

WATCH: Evictions, foreclosures heat up as legal system races to catch up

State Sen. Victor Torres said he has introduced a bill aimed at putting rent control back in the state of Florida.

Right now, Florida law doesn’t allow rent control unless there’s a housing emergency.

“This bill would address this and repeal that,” Torres said.

See more in the video above.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.